Archive July 1, 2025

Mirror’s Daily Digest – heat health warning to longest ever cold case conviction

In this Tuesday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day from the country’s longest ever cold case conviction to a common prescription drug warning

Common prescription medication could have dangerous side effects in sweltering UK heatwave (Stock Image)(Image: Getty)

Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we’ll be pulling together all the best stories of the day from our News, Royal, Politics teams and more. This Tuesday, we’re bringing you inside the newsroom with coverage on the country’s longest ever cold case conviction through to the amber health alert.

Our Politics team has been following the latest on Keir Starmer’s major rebellion threat, with a key vote on welfare reforms later today. Meanwhile, we’ve also covered the arrest of three ex-members of the senior leadership team at a hospital where Lucy Letby worked in connection with alleged manslaughter.

Ryland Headley, 92, to die in jail for 1967 rape and murder of Louisa Dunne, 75

Headley was arrested at home for rape and murder
Headley was arrested at home for rape and murder

Our News team has been closely following the country’s longest ever cold case conviction, in which a 92-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison – with a minimum term of 20 years – for the rape and murder of an elderly widow in 1967.

Ryland Headley claimed he was innocent but was caught after his DNA was found back in the 60s and re-tested with modern forensic techniques. He was found guilty after a trial at Bristol Crown Court of killing 75-year-old Louisa Dunne in her own home.

The twice-widowed woman was found dead by a neighbour in her home in the Easton area of Bristol on June 28, 1967. She was fully dressed, but had her knickers round her ankles and a nylon type stocking lying across her neck. She had been strangled.

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Read the full story here.

DWP chief Liz Kendall beams outside No10 despite brewing welfare rebellion

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall arrives for cabinet on Tuesday 1st July 2025
Liz Kendall arrives for cabinet (Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

Meanwhile, our Politics team has been working around the clock to provide live updates as Keir Starmer faces rebellion over the controversial welfare cuts. This evening, MPs are due to vote on reforms – first set out in March – with the government bracing for a huge revolt from angry Labour MPs.

Ministers hope major concessions will be enough to win over Labour rebels. Welfare chief Liz Kendall was this morning seen smiling as she put on a positive face ahead of this afternoon’s debate. She yesterday defended the massive DWP shake-up after a bruising week for the government over controversial disability cuts.

While some Labour MPs have said they will back the government after last week’s concessions, which will protect current claimants, some 50-60 of them are still said to be considering voting against the government. It would be the biggest revolt of Mr Starmer’s premiership so far.

Read the full story here.

Common prescription drugs that can be fatal when taken in scorching 35C heat

Heatwave
Common prescription medication could have dangerous side effects in sweltering UK heatwave (Stock Image)(Image: Getty)

In other news, an amber health alert has been issued in parts of the UK for the second time in two weeks amid the sweltering heatwave. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issues the alert during periods of extreme heat, which could impact people’s health and wellbeing and therefore put strain on public services like the NHS. The amber warning means the entire population could be at risk from the extreme heat, with travel likely to be disrupted, and more ambulances needed.

Experts have warned that five million Brits could be at a further increased health risk due to a common prescription medication: antidepressants. One of the common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is sweating more than normal – and in a heatwave this can present a danger, experts have claimed.

Read the full story here.

Three former bosses at Lucy Letby hospital arrested

The Countess of Chester Hospital
The Countess of Chester Hospital(Image: PA)

This morning, our News team reported that three ex-members of the senior leadership team at the hospital where Lucy Letby worked have been arrested in connection with alleged manslaughter. The three were in leadership roles at the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015 and 2016, but have not been named. They were arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

It comes after Letby, 35, was found guilty of murdering seven children as well as attempting to murder seven more between June 2015 and June 2016. She had been working at the neonatal unit at the hospital at the time.

Read the full story here.

‘Buckingham Palace pretends royals prudent with our money – it’s hogwash! ‘

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 08: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) King Charles III (wearing a Royal Navy tie) attends a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, 2025 in London, England. The King and Queen, joined by Members of the Royal Family, will take part in events from May 5th to May 8th to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, which signalled the end of the Second World War in Europe. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
The Royal Family’s accounts have been revealed(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images)

Finally, former Minister of State for Home Affairs Norman Baker has slammed Buckingham Palace ‘pretending to be prudent’ as ‘utter hogwash’. It comes as the Royal Family’s accounts for 2024 to 2025 have been revealed, showing the Firm spent a total of £2.7million last year on travel by private jet, helicopters and rail.

In an opinion piece for the Mirror, Norman wrote: “Buckingham Palace pretends the royals are being prudent with public money. What utter hogwash. They even have the cheek to suggest that Charles is being generous because he only takes 12% of the income of the Crown Estate.

“Reality check: the Crown Estate has in effect been a public body since 1760, and until 2011, 100% of its profits went to the Treasury to pay for schools, hospitals, defence and, yes, disability benefits. This 12% is a new royal tax on the public purse.”

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He added: “The shocking truth is that the royals really don’t care how much public money they spend. Last year they incredibly ran up a bill for the taxpayer of almost £1. 2m on charter flights just within Great Britain to places as difficult to reach as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle. ”

Read the full story here.

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The Chase fans speak out as Bradley Walsh accepts ‘wrong’ answer over drink

Jenny Ryan, also known as the Vixen, competed against two contestants in the final round of ITV’s the Chase in an episode hosted by Bradley Walsh that aired yesterday

Some viewers were left confused over an answer that was accepted by host Bradley Walsh on an episode of The Chase that aired this week. It came during a team’s final showdown against Jenny Ryan on the ITV quiz show.

An episode that aired yesterday saw four contestants take on Jenny, 43, who is also known as the Vixen, in a series of general knowledge rounds. Only two of them, Nick and Laura, made it to the final round against her, though.

The contestants had amassed a prize fund of £3,000 by that point and the pair managed to get 14 correct answers in their last round. Jenny then faced her final questions and one of her answers caught the attention of viewers at home.

Early on in her final chase, Bradley, 65, asked: “What colour top indicates semi-skimmed milk on bottles? ” After taking a moment over the question, Jenny responded: “Red and silver. ” The host reacted to her answer: “I’ll accept. “

An answer given by Jenny Ryan on an episode of the Chase that aired yesterday attracted attention on social media(Image: ITV)

Some fans were confused over the decision, though, with them suggesting that the correct answer should have been green. They shared their thoughts on X, with one viewer writing on the platform: “Semi-skimmed milk tops are green. “

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Another asked: “I thought semi-skimmed was green? ! ” Someone else commented amid discussion about the episode: “Weird he just accepted a wrong answer! ” Whilst another person wrote in a post: “Semi-skimmed is green! “

It was however pointed out that glass and plastic containers differ in colour coding. Some fans noted that glass bottles for semi skimmed milk have foil caps featuring red and silver stripes, whilst plastic alternatives often have green tops.

Bradley Walsh in a grey suit on the Chase.
After asking which colour top indicates semi-skimmed milk on bottles, host Bradley Walsh accepted her answer of ‘red and silver’(Image: ITV)

Addressing the confusion, one person wrote on X this week: “Semi skimmed milk in glass bottles are red/silver striped. Poly containers it’s green. ” Another said whilst the episode aired yesterday: “On bottles it’s red and silver stripes. “

It isn’t the first time that the question has prompted a reaction, with the episode having previously aired in 2022. At the time, it similarly was met with reaction from viewers over the accepted answer by host Bradley on the quiz show.

After answering the question, Jenny went on to get more correct answers in the final chase than the two remaining contestants, despite some pushbacks. Although they didn’t win the money, they received praise from the chaser.

The Chase contestants Laura and Nick stood together in the final chase round.
Jenny then went on to win contestants Laura (left) and Nick (right), who had made it to the final round of the ITV show(Image: ITV)

Jenny, who had seven seconds to spare, told the team that they had “great answers” to a few “tricky questions”. She told them: “I think that shows that the total in the final chase doesn’t tell the whole story because you scored 14 with some great answers to some tricky questions. “

She added that as a result, she faced some challenging questions herself. Jenny said: “It meant that the equal set for me had some tricky ones in there that were gonna catch me out, but also some straightforward ones that I should have got. “

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The Chase airs most weekdays on ITV and ITVX from 5pm.

Jimmy Swaggart dead: Legendary televangelist dies at home after cardiac arrest

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart has died at the age of 90. His death comes two weeks after he was rushed to hospital following cardiac arrest at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

His son Donnie confirmed his dad had faced an uphill battle after losing consciousness during the medical incident a fortnight ago. Speaking to ABC affiliate WBRZ-TV prior to his death, Donnie said: “Without a miracle, his time is short. “

His family PR, Megan Kelly, also told the outlet that Swaggart had been transported to hospital following the medical emergency. Kelly said: “Ambulances were able to respond very quickly.

“They gave him CPR, they took turns doing it, and you can imagine how emotional that was and how stressful that was in that moment. “

A day before he died, Swaggart was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Swaggart was best known for his dramatic appearances in front of huge crowds. He was known as being the leader behind the SonLife Broadcasting Network and also pastor of the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge.

Swaggart was the cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis and often spoke of the rock pioneer in his sermons. In 1981, Swaggart received a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance for his album titled Worship.

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McDonald’s fans can’t believe famous billionaire businessman has card for free food

McDonald’s exclusive McGold Card grants holders free meals for life or a set period, depending on whether it’s issued by corporate or a local franchise, and fans are outraged to learn who owns one

McDonald’s fans are outraged after learning who the company gifted a free food card to (stock photo)(Image: VV Shots via Getty Images)

McDonald’s has sparked outrage after it was revealed that one of its exclusive McGold Cards, which grants the holder free meals for life or a designated period, has been given to American billionaire Bill Gates. The fast food giant’s card is a rarely issued perk with some recipients able to use them at any McDonald’s restaurant worldwide, while others are restricted to their local area.

Social media users were left fuming after learning that the Microsoft co-founder, who is reportedly worth $117.1 billion (£85billion) holds the coveted card, with many arguing he is undeserving due to his wealth. The Instagram page How Things Work shared the news about Gates’ McGold Card, leading to a flurry of critical comments.

One user sarcastically quipped: “Glad to see McDonald’s helping those truly in need. ” Another added: “Pretty sure he can afford a happy meal babes. “

A third humorously remarked: “McWhy.” A fourth user commented: “Because billionaires need free fast food.” A fifth suggested: “Give it to a poor family.”

A different critic shared their disdain: “Couldn’t pick anyone underprivileged and hungry? No, no…let’s give free food to one of the richest men in the world…while we fight for children to be fed at school.”

According to the caption on Instagram, the shiny McGold Card that Bill Gates has can be used at any McDonald’s around the globe.

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Gates revealed his unique card during a TikTok video with chef Nick DiGiovanni, proudly displaying his pass which reads: “Entitled to a complimentary meal at any McDonald’s. Michael R. Quinlan Chairman and CEO McDonald’s Corporation.”

Though Gates openly shared in the video that he rarely uses the card given his ability to pay for meals himself.

Joining Gates in the elite circle of McGold Card holders is Warren Buffett, the renowned American billionaire investor, entitled to free lifetime McDonald’s in Omaha, Nebraska only.

Reader’s Digest disclosed Rob Lowe had a McGold Card limited to Santa Barbara and Goleta, California, courtesy of David Patterson, whose father was behind the Egg McMuffin. His card expired in 2016.

The magazine hinted at the exclusivity of the McGold Card, indicating it’s not within easy reach for regular people.

According to Reader’s Digest, the fast food giant McDonald’s held a ‘McDonald’s for Life’ competition in December 2022 as part of their ‘SZN of Sharing’ promotion.

Over a fortnight, each purchase made through the McDonald’s app earned customers another entry to win the coveted McGold Card, along with three more entries to share with family or friends.

The card entitled the lucky winner to two complimentary McDonald’s meals every week for a whopping 50 years.

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Champion Krejcikova begins title defence with win

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Wimbledon 2025

Dates: 30 June-13 July Venue: All England Club

Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova avoided a first-round upset with a hard-fought victory over promising youngster Alexandra Eala.

The Czech had been an injury doubt coming into the tournament but showed her experience to begin her title defence with a 3-6 6-2 6-1 win on Centre Court.

Krejcikova beat Italian Jasmine Paolini in last year’s final to lift the trophy but has been hampered by injury problems this year.

She endured a lengthy lay-off with a back injury, then had to pull out of Eastbourne last week because of a thigh injury.

Seventeenth seed Krejcikova’s preparations for the tournament were not dissimilar last year, when she arrived at the All England Club having played just nine matches and struggling with injury.

Returning to the site of her emotional triumph by opening Tuesday’s play on Centre Court, Krejcikova looked somewhat out of sorts in the opening set against an in-form opponent.

Eala memorably stunned Iga Swiatek at the Miami Open in March, then made more history by becoming the first Filipina to reach the final of a WTA Tour event at Eastbourne last week, where she lost to Australian teenager Maya Joint.

That has catapulted her to 56th in the rankings, and all of that talent was on display on day two at the Championships.

The pair traded breaks early on as Krejcikova’s exquisite lob to take Eala’s serve was cancelled out by a double fault to put the match back on serve.

Mistakes from the reigning champion and an impressive range of shots from Eala secured a second break, and this time Krejcikova could not convert her break-back opportunity, missing the forehand on break point.

She seemed to be struggling on serve, uncomfortable with her ball toss and hit five double faults in the first set – perhaps an indication she is still battling that back injury.

After a lengthy game at 5-2 where Krejcikova saved a set point, Eala held her nerve to brilliantly serve out the set.

Krejcikova came back in the second set and, while she still looked uncomfortable on serve – frequently redoing her ball toss – she motored to a 5-0 lead.

Looking somewhat disappointed and desperate to avoid a second-set bagel, Eala rallied to hold her serve, then overturned one of the breaks, but could not prevent Krejcikova levelling the match.

A more comfortable third set followed as Krejcikova tidied up the errors and finally showed her emotion as she put herself on the brink of victory by securing the double break for 5-1, letting out a roar after her passing winner.

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Euro 2025 kept Wales’ Hughes hungry during ACL recovery

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Wales striker Elise Hughes says the worry of missing out on Euro 2025 kept her motivated during the “bad times”, as she recovered from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery.

The 24-year-old Crystal Palace striker returned to action in February after missing nine months of football following the knee injury.

Wales cap centurion Sophie Ingle has also returned to the squad after suffering the same injury, while goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan, defender Mayzee Davies and midfielder Megan Wynne have all been ruled out of the tournament in Switzerland after ACL surgery.

World governing body Fifa is funding research into whether hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles could be contributing to the rise in ACL injuries in women’s football.

The year-long study at Kingston University London began in June.

Research suggests female footballers are two to six times more likely to suffer the injuries than their male counterparts.

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‘You never think it’ll be you’

Hughes had just sealed promotion with Palace when she suffered her ACL injury, but attention quickly turned to Wales.

“Obviously the injury at the time was really bad. It came in a season for me that I thought I did really well in,” Hughes told BBC Sport Wales.

“I returned in February already knowing that the girls had qualified for us, and so then it was just an added motivation to be back and to be better and to be ready for the stage this summer.

“I was out for nine months. I fought every day to try and make it shorter but that’s just not safe. “

Hughes says the road to recovery from an ACL injury is tougher than people realise, but she found the hardest thing was not being able to immediately return to play at the same standard.

“Obviously, at the start, you strip it right back to obviously learning to walk again, and you just never think that’s going to be you,” she said.

“You obviously know that an ACL injury plagues the women’s game in particular, but you just never think it’s going to be you until it’s you.

“But I feel like I didn’t really understand it, I didn’t really accept it until like three or four months in.

“Everyone is different. For me the hardest part for me was returning because I didn’t return the same as when I left. And that was hard for me because I just thought I was going to come back in and be fit and firing, but I had just spent the best part of a season out of the game.

Elise Hughes (left) and Sophie Ingle (right) in conversation during trainingFAW

Sharing Ingle’s injury burden

Hughes says she made it a priority to try and help her international team-mate when she suffered the same injury during pre-season in 2024.

Ingle’s timeline always meant she would be touch and go to be fit for Euro 2025 and although she has been named in Wales’ squad, the former Chelsea midfielder has not played a competitive game in more than a year.

“It was the first time I was more experienced than Soph at something, because I was obviously a few months ahead,” Hughes said.

“I just said to her, like, listen, it’s obviously awful.

“I reached out to Soph at the start, like once a week. She probably thought I was annoying at times! And then after that every month, just to make sure that she was feeling good, and you know that she was feeling positive, because sometimes you can slip away from the positivity.

Fit and firing for Switzerland

Now fully fit, Hughes says she is desperate to make her mark in Wales’ first major tournament experience.

Rhian Wilkinson’s side have been drawn in a daunting group with England, France and the Netherlands, but Hughes says the Wales squad are already feeling at home in Switzerland and are ready to compete.

“It’s really surreal to be here. We got here. The staff that came out the week before we were here have made it a home away from Wales. Where we are, in particular, is very Welsh scenery, so we feel right at home already,” she added.

“Honestly, walking in is just everything we’ve ever wanted. And now that we’re here, we’re ready to go. We’re really excited.

“Being at a major tournament is amazing. It’s honestly once in a lifetime and you can just tell as soon as we got here, it was a real pinch-me moment.

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