Nottingham Express Transit (NET) has announced significant changes to tram services in preparation for the annual Notts Pride event taking place on Saturday, July 26, 2024. This decision aims to accommodate the expected influx of participants and spectators celebrating diversity and inclusion in Nottingham.

The service alterations will be in effect throughout the day, impacting various routes and schedules. NET has advised riders to plan their journeys ahead of time to avoid disruptions.

Service Changes and Impact

NET will implement a special timetable to ensure that trams are available to transport attendees to and from the festivities. Key routes are expected to experience increased frequency, particularly those serving the city center. The operator encourages passengers to check their website for specific details regarding altered schedules and any potential delays.

In addition to the increased frequency, certain tram stops may be temporarily closed or relocated due to road closures associated with the parade. NET is working closely with local authorities to minimize inconvenience and ensure the safety of all passengers.

Community Engagement and Support

This year’s Notts Pride is anticipated to attract thousands of attendees, making it one of the largest celebrations in the region. The event not only highlights the importance of LGBTQ+ rights but also fosters a sense of community among participants.

NET’s proactive measures reflect their commitment to supporting local events and enhancing public transport accessibility. According to a spokesperson for NET, “We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone can enjoy Notts Pride without facing transportation hurdles. We look forward to welcoming attendees and providing them with reliable tram services.”

As the celebration approaches, officials urge attendees to be mindful of the tram service changes and to utilize public transport where possible. With the tram system playing a crucial role in the movement of people, NET is focused on making this year’s event a success.

In summary, on July 26, 2024, Nottingham’s tram services will undergo key adjustments to accommodate Notts Pride celebrations. With enhanced service and careful planning, NET aims to facilitate a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN) is considering the potential of reviving empty homes in Shetland as part of its strategy for future workforce accommodation. This initiative is aligned with similar efforts currently underway in Orkney, where SSEN is actively seeking long-term vacant properties to refurbish and lease.

The energy company has several large-scale projects planned for Shetland, including a proposed second subsea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link to the Scottish mainland. This project is expected to require substantial onshore infrastructure. SSEN has previously announced intentions to construct housing in northern Scotland to support the influx of workers associated with its various projects. Following the completion of these initiatives, there are plans for the housing to be transferred to local authorities.

A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission indicated that the restoration of empty homes is a viable option in their accommodation strategy. “We continue to work with Shetland Islands Council and local housing stakeholders to identify workforce accommodation solutions – including how we can deliver a positive legacy through our pledge to support the delivery of more than 1,000 new homes for local communities in the north of Scotland, as part of our accommodation requirements,” the spokesperson stated. “We are exploring all viable options as part of our accommodation mix, and this includes bringing empty homes in Shetland back into long-term use. We hope to be able to share more information about this with communities and stakeholders in due course.”

Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of visiting workforces on the already strained housing and rental market in Shetland. Developers have been urged to find innovative solutions to address these challenges. The existing scheme in Orkney, where a transmission link to Caithness and a related substation are under construction, allows SSEN Transmission to provide financial assistance for refurbishing long-term empty homes. This support comes in exchange for reduced rental rates for management staff.

To date, two empty homes have been successfully revitalized in Orkney, with plans for additional properties. SSEN is particularly focused on homes on the Orkney mainland that have been unoccupied for at least six months and require no more than £25,000 in upfront investment to meet rental standards. The company offers to fund these refurbishments, recouping costs through reduced rent until summer 2028.

In addition to these initiatives, a temporary accommodation camp is slated for construction in Orkney to house workers involved in the new substation project in Finstown. According to Scottish Government statistics, Shetland reported an empty homes rate of 409 per 10,000 dwellings as of September 2024, with 375 of those homes vacant for over a year. These figures represent some of the highest rates in Scotland.

In a recent meeting, it was revealed that Shetland Islands Council is planning to hire a full-time officer, with government support, to address the issue of long-term empty homes. Both a graduate officer and external consultants have also been engaged to develop an empty homes strategy.

Nevertheless, Emma Macdonald, the council leader, expressed concerns regarding the pace of SSEN’s accommodation plans, stating that progress has not occurred quickly enough. Development director Neil Grant echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for urgent action to tackle the housing situation in the region.

As SSEN moves forward with its housing initiatives, it remains to be seen how effectively these efforts will address the existing challenges in Shetland’s housing market while supporting the company’s ambitious project goals.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has ignited speculation regarding his future in WWE following a heartfelt tribute to the late wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. The tribute comes in the wake of Hogan’s death on July 24, 2025, due to cardiac arrest at the age of 71. He passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, where first responders administered CPR for over 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead.

WWE released an official statement, referring to Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, as “one of the most recognisable figures in pop culture” and a key figure in the global expansion of professional wrestling. Johnson’s tribute on social media stood out for its sincerity, as he named Hogan among the wrestlers on his personal WWE Mount Rushmore, underscoring the profound impact Hogan had on the industry.

Johnson’s message has raised questions about how this tribute aligns with his current WWE narrative. Since returning to WWE in early 2024, Johnson has adopted a new persona, dubbed the ‘Final Boss’, which marks a significant departure from his previous fan-favourite image. This role has seen him embrace a darker character, often collaborating with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline faction.

As noted by Bleacher Report, there are no set plans for Johnson’s return at SummerSlam, suggesting that his next moves may be influenced by his ongoing film projects. This shift in character has opened new creative avenues, with some analysts interpreting his tribute to Hogan as a potential indicator of an impending storyline evolution or a connection between generations of wrestlers.

Transition to Film and Character Evolution

While Johnson continues to develop his heel persona in WWE, he is also experiencing a notable transformation in his film career. He is set to star in The Smashing Machine, a biographical sports drama produced by A24, where he portrays MMA fighter Mark Kerr. For this role, Johnson is undergoing a significant physical transformation, utilizing prosthetics and modified styling to reflect Kerr’s tumultuous personal life and professional ascent.

Additionally, Johnson is preparing to film Breakthrough, another A24 project in which he plays a morally complex life coach based in Southern California. He described this role as “a deep, dark psychological dive,” which signifies a shift away from the action-comedy roles that have been predominant in his career thus far. These upcoming projects highlight Johnson’s deliberate move towards more nuanced, emotionally rich characters, mirroring the complexity of his current wrestling storyline.

The interplay between Johnson’s tribute to Hogan, his evolving wrestling character, and his forthcoming film roles has led some industry observers to consider these elements as interconnected. WWE is reportedly planning a tribute segment for Hogan on SmackDown in Cleveland, which may include references to Johnson’s heartfelt message, further heightening the intrigue surrounding these developments.

As the release date for The Smashing Machine approaches on October 3, 2025, and with Breakthrough in development, Johnson’s tribute to Hogan may not only serve as an emotional acknowledgment but also as a pivotal narrative moment in his multifaceted career. The convergence of personal homage, wrestling drama, and cinematic evolution suggests a thoughtfully orchestrated progression for The Rock as he navigates multiple platforms in entertainment.

A travel company has called on Manchester Airport and parking provider APCOA to reconsider their current drop-off fee structure. In an open letter, Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer of On The Beach, urged the airport and APCOA to extend the payment deadline for drop-off charges from 24 hours to 48 hours. This request comes as many travelers prepare for the busy summer holiday season.

Manchester Airport responded by clarifying that the 24-hour payment period serves as a minimum timeframe. In fact, drivers typically have until midnight the day after their drop-off to settle the fee, allowing for nearly 48 hours in many cases. The airport introduced a new barrierless drop-off system in March 2023, utilizing Automated Number Plate Recognition technology. This system enables drivers to leave the airport immediately without paying at a barrier, requiring payment online or via phone by the specified deadline.

Under the new structure, the drop-off charge is set at £5 for the first five minutes, increasing to £6.40 for up to ten minutes. Those who stay for the maximum of 30 minutes must pay £25. Failure to pay within the given timeframe results in a parking charge of £100, which can be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Passengers have reported difficulties with the new system. A couple from Widnes, for instance, shared their experience of forgetting to pay the drop-off fee after their visit on July 5, 2023. According to Manchester Airport, the updated system is designed to create a faster and more efficient experience for drivers. They also noted that the 24-hour deadline is not a strict limit; for example, if a driver drops off a passenger at 1:00 AM, they have until midnight the following day to pay, effectively extending the payment window to 47 hours.

Harris, in her letter, humorously addressed the issue, stating, “At On the Beach, we’re proud of our Manchester roots, and send tens of thousands of happy holidaymakers from Manchester Airport every year. But recently, there’s been a bit of turbulence, and not the kind that requires a seatbelt sign.” She emphasized the burden that the short payment window places on those dropping off travelers, many of whom are family or friends doing a favor and not necessarily aware of the payment requirements.

The airport argued that the new system enhances traffic management and reduces wait times, allowing drivers to avoid higher charges associated with longer stays. The spokesperson for Manchester Airport emphasized that the majority of passengers successfully pay their fees within the designated timeframe and pointed out that drivers can set up an AutoPay account to automate the payment process.

While On The Beach has reached out for reconsideration of the payment deadline, Manchester Airport remains focused on the efficiency of their new drop-off system. The airport has also increased signage in the drop-off area to assist drivers in navigating the new payment procedures.

As the peak travel season approaches, the dialogue between On The Beach and Manchester Airport underscores the challenges faced by both travelers and airport management in adapting to new systems while ensuring a smooth experience for all.