John Hand
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News and Crime Correspondent, the Irish Sun. Co-author of Kinahan Assassins. john.hand@the-sun.ie / Signal: johnhand.87
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Articles by John Hand
Delivering Complex Power Systems Safely and On Time
ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, July 27, 2026 / EINPresswire.com/ -- Vantix Electric outlines its commercial project work for property owners, contractors, facility managers, and construction teams. Its scope includes new construction, renovations, office buildouts, panel upgrades, backup power, switchgear, and elevator modernization, all handled with clear communication, firm accountability, and urgency.
Wider licence extensions for pubs during World Cup
Fans react to the men's UEFA Euro 2024 final in which Spain beat England [Getty Images] Football fans following England or Scotland in this summer's World Cup can now count on celebrating or commiserating in the pub after more of their big matches in the knockout stages - after the government announced a further tweak to licensing rules in England and Wales.
Sugarloaf selfies as William begins Brazil visit
Prince William found time to pose with members of the public who gathered at Sugarloaf Mountain [PA Media] The Prince of Wales was presented with the keys to Rio de Janeiro as he began a five-day visit to Brazil. Prince William was on the city's Sugarloaf Mountain, with a bird's eye view of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, as he received the honour from the city's mayor, Eduardo Paes.
Actor Ray Brooks, voice of Mr Benn, dies aged 86
Brooks's sons said their dad 'shunned the spotlight' despite his dazzling TV career [BBC] TV actor Ray Brooks, who starred in some of the UK's best-known programmes in a career spanning five decades, has died aged 86. Brooks narrated the classic 1970s children's show Mr Benn and played the male lead in the ground-breaking 1960s BBC drama Cathy Come Home.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey in bid for Christmas No 1
Sir Ed Davey spent much of the summer trying to get to No 10 (Downing Street). Now he has set his sights higher, as he launches a bid to get to No 1 - No 1 in the Christmas singles charts that is. The Liberal Democrat leader is teaming up with the Bath Philharmonia's Young Carers' Choir to release the charity single, Love is Enough. The song was written by six young carers and former carers, and celebrates the bond they have with the people they care for.
Hand: Harlingen needs Democrats in the House and Senate – Rio Grande Guardian
I recently attended a meeting where Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda presented a list of city initiatives designed to improve the quality of life in our city. The list is astounding. It ranges from the reconstruction of Tony Buller Golf Course and renovation of our Victor Park to major improvements at Valley International Airport (VIA). A first-rate airport that brings people to a city with a first-rate golf course will do much to make Harlingen more attractive to residents and visitors alike.
Bates knighted as Staunton and Emin made dames
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Mark Cavendish, Strictly's Amy Dowden and Alan Bates recognised Original
Bates knighted as Staunton and Emin made dames By John Hand and Ben Fell, BBC News Getty Images Dame Imelda Staunton, Sir Alan Bates and Dame Tracey Emin can start using their new titles immediately Alan Bates - the former sub-postmaster who successfully campaigned to highlight the Post Office Horizon scandal - has been knighted in the King's Birthday Honours.
Victoria Beckham's fashion show disrupted by Peta protesters
Victoria Beckham's show at Paris Fashion Week was disrupted by animal rights activists, who joined her models on the catwalk. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals group (Peta) said it was a protest against the use of animal skins in the fashion industry in general. The demonstrators wore T-shirts that read "Animals aren't fabric" and waved signs saying "Viva vegan leather". Victoria appeared on crutches at the show's finale as she has a foot injury.
King Charles' crown appears in change of logo on government's gov.uk website
King Charles' preferred crown has replaced Queen Elizabeth II's favoured symbol on the government website, marking his role of the head of state. The logo can be seen on key pages on gov.uk as the site rebrands this month. King Charles chose the rounded Tudor Crown for his royal cypher when he took the throne in 2022 - and it is being changed in places where his late mother's St Edward's Crown was shown. These include post boxes, police uniforms and official buildings.
Steve Wright's Sunday Love Songs goes on air 'without the chief'
Wright joined the BBC in the 1970s and went on to host the afternoon shows on Radio 1 and Radio 2 Steve Wright's Sunday Love Songs opened with a tribute to the BBC Radio 2 presenter, who died earlier this week. Presenting a special episode of the show, Liza Tarbuck said the show was going on but "without the chief". She also read out tributes from listeners to the DJ. Wright's final show was last Sunday, when he hosted a pre-recorded special Valentine's Day edition of his Love Songs programme.
Steve Wright's Sunday Love Songs goes on air 'without the chief'
Steve Wright's Sunday Love Songs opened with a tribute to the BBC Radio 2 presenter, who died earlier this week. Presenting a special episode of the show, Liza Tarbuck said the show was going on but "without the chief". She also read out tributes from listeners to the DJ. Wright's final show was last Sunday, when he hosted a pre-recorded special Valentine's Day edition of his Love Songs programme. He passed away on Monday at the age of 69.
Drug money row sparked feud that led to murder of gangster before botched hits on father and son
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Man who died after fall from e-scooter in Mayo 'suffered sudden illness', as tributes flow
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Tallaght stab victim named locally as teenage suspect quizzed
These cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the site to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools.
Bryan Adams reveals Diana song lyrics sparked 'surreal' friendship with royal
Bryan Adams has spoken for the first time about how his friendship with Princess Diana was sparked by a song he wrote about her doomed marriage. The singer recalled how the late royal said she found the lyrics about him "losing his mind" on the day she married Prince Charles "very funny". Speaking to the Sunday Times, Adams added that Diana invited him round for tea so she could hear the song again. He retired the song when she died in 1997 "out of respect", he added.
Bryan Adams reveals Diana song lyrics sparked 'surreal' friendship with princess Original
Bryan Adams has spoken for the first time about how his friendship with Princess Diana was sparked by a song he wrote about her doomed marriage. The singer recalled how the late royal said she found the lyrics about him "losing his mind" on the day she married Prince Charles "very funny". Speaking to the Sunday Times, Adams added that Diana invited him round for tea so she could hear the song again. He retired the song when she died in 1997 "out of respect", he added.
Couples 'devastated' by family visa rule changes
Couples planning a new life in the UK have been left heartbroken by changes restricting who can apply to live here. From April 2024, British citizens or people already settled in the UK will need to show they earn £38,700 before their overseas partner can live here with them - a sharp jump from the current threshold of £18,600.
Couples 'devastated' by migration visa rule changes
Couples planning a new life in the UK have been left heartbroken by changes restricting who can apply to live here. From April 2024, British citizens or people already settled in the UK will need to show they earn £38,700 before their overseas partner can live here with them - a sharp jump from the …
Matthew Perry: Friends actors Matt LeBlanc and Courteney Cox pay ...
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Courteney Cox revealed that her character's marriage to Chandler was not the writers' original plan Photo BBC News By John Hand & Andre Rhoden-Paul BBC News Friends stars Courteney Cox and Matt Le Blanc have both paid their first individual tributes to co-star Mathew Perry, following his death last month.
Matthew Perry: Friends actors Matt LeBlanc and Courteney Cox pay tribute
By John Hand and Andre Rhoden-Paul BBC News November 14, 2023, 17:31 GMT Updated 1 hour ago Friends stars Courteney Cox and Matt Le Blanc have shared their first individual tribute to their co-star Mathew Perry following his death last month. Cox, who played his on-screen wife Monica, shared a clip of her with Perry’s character Chandler on Instagram and said she was “so grateful for every moment” they worked together.
Matthew Perry: Friends actors Matt LeBlanc and Courteney Cox pay tribute
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Courteney Cox revealed that her character's marriage to Chandler was not the writers' original plan By John Hand & Andre Rhoden-Paul BBC News Friends stars Courteney Cox and Matt Le Blanc have both paid their first individual tributes to co-star Mathew Perry, following his death last month.
How Dame Kelly Holmes won her toughest race - to be herself, out and proud Original
Image source, PA Media Two dazzling images define truly golden moments in former athlete Kelly Holmes's life. The first is burned in the memory of any athletics fan who witnessed it in 2004. Wide-open eyes betraying her disbelief, wide-open mouth indicating her cautious hope and toned arms in the air ready to celebrate the moment when she finally became 800m Olympic champion in Athens.
Potter stars among tributes to Sir Michael Gambonon September 28, 2023 at 8:58 pm
The actor, a four-time Bafta award winner, was best-known for playing Dumbledore in the hit film series. This video can not be played Harry Potter co-stars of Sir Michael Gambon, who played Professor Albus Dumbledore in six films, are among those paying tribute to the stage and screen legend after his death aged 82. Daniel Radcliffe said the “brilliant, effortless” actor “loved his job but never seemed defined by it”.
Harry Potter actor Sir Michael Gambon dies aged 82
By Lauren Turner and John Hand, BBC News Harry Potter co-stars of Sir Michael Gambon, who played Professor Albus Dumbledore in six films, are among those paying tribute to the stage and screen legend after his death aged 82. Daniel Radcliffe said the "brilliant, effortless" actor "loved his job but never seemed defined by it". Rupert Grint said his "personal role model" had "brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set". Writer JK Rowling hailed a "wonderful man" and "outstanding actor".
Traitors US season two cast includes Ekin-Su Culculoglu and John Bercow Original
Former House of Commons Speaker John Bercow is to star in the next series of the Traitors US. He will feature alongside other celebrities including Love Island's Ekin-Su Culculoglu and professional heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder. Following the success of the British version last year, the first American series was made available on the BBC iPlayer as a box set. The American version is hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming.
Drew Harris no confidence vote: What caused the landslide result
Gardai are angry at increased paperwork, the amount of suspensions and staffing levels – but above all they are furious at planned changes to their roster. The vote is a response to Commissioner Harris’ announcement that he intends to scrap an emergency roster for the force – introduced when COVID hit Ireland in early 2020.
How dangerous is vaping - and why the concern over young vapers? Original
Image source, Rex/Shutterstock Calls for bans on cheaper disposable vapes have been growing as more young people take up the habit. Officials in Westminster are actively looking for ways to reduce the numbers of young people buying and using vapes. But why is there rising concern about vaping levels, particularly among young people? No-one is arguing against this point. The smoking of cigarettes remains one of the biggest contributors to poor health in this country, and many others.
Funeral of 'little angel' killed in Portlaoise road tragedy hears she was 'bright star'
A three-year-old girl who died after being struck by a car has been remembered as a "little angel" as her funeral heard that she was a "precious" and "gorgeous" child. Rosaleen McDonagh was laid to rest on Monday after she lost her life following the collision near her home in Portlaoise, Co Laois at lunchtime last Wednesday. At Peter and Paul’s Church in the town, Fr John Byrne told the girl's grieving relatives that she was a "bright star among you".
Nats air traffic control fault: Experts reflect on three days of chaos Original
More than 2,000 flights cancelled, hundreds of thousands of passengers delayed or stranded, and airlines facing compensation payments in the millions. It was a bank holiday Monday - a classic "big travel day". Some families jetted from UK airports for the final days of summer, while others flew back ahead of the return to school for most children. Early news of delays at some airports did not cause much panic - they happen every day and, more often than not, are rectified almost immediately.
Little girl, 3, knocked down and killed as she played by Portlaoise home
A girl of three was knocked down and killed as she played near her home yesterday. Little “angel” Rosaleen McDonagh had been in a garden but is believed to have run out the gate before she was hit on Cosby Avenue in the Fairgreen area of Portlaoise, Co Laois, at around 1.15pm. It’s understood the tragic tot’s mum was nearby when the accident happened. Rosaleen was taken to Midland Regional Hospital in the town but was pronounced dead.
Funeral details of siblings who died in Clonmel crash as family say their 'precious short lives will never be forgotten'
A brother and sister who died in a tragic road crash will be laid to rest on Friday as their heartbroken family said: "Their precious short lives will never be forgotten." Siblings Luke, 24, and Grace McSweeney died along with Nicole Murphy and Zoey Coffey, aged 18, in a car accident on Friday night outside Clonmel, Tipperary. The crash happened as Luke brought the three girls to a celebration of their Leaving Cert results that they got on the day.
Back to school time for Enoch Burke as he returns to his protest at Wilson Hospital school
Sacked Enoch Burke began the new academic year as he finished the last - attending the school he used to work at. The Evangelical Christian continued to act in contempt of court following the near three-month summer break, breaching a High Court order by returning to the grounds of Wilson's secondary school in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath. It means that his contempt fines, which are €700 every day he ignores the order, are now nearing an estimated €150,000.
Video captures moment joyriders in Dublin are halted as gardai deploy stinger to stop fleeing stolen car
Joyriders running riot in the capital were brought to a halt in the latest chase overnight which saw gardai deploy a stinger to stop the fleeing stolen car. Three arrests were made after the Toyota Yaris was stopped by officers in Finglas, west Dublin, heading towards the M50. It comes as figures obtained by the Irish Mirror reveals how 460 cars have been stolen in the DMR West region alone this year, which equates to nearly two a day in the area.
New Brit School North in Bradford gets go-ahead
Amy Winehouse was one of the most famous and successful gradates of the Brit School in south London before her death aged 27. Plans to base a northern version of London's renowned Brit School in Bradford have been given the go-ahead by the government. The new Brit School North will be free to attend for 500 pupils aged 16 to 19. It will offer courses in dance, music and theatre.
Mountjoy prison officer sacked after spending months fighting in Ukraine war
An Irish hero who spent months in hospital fighting to overcome the severe injuries he suffered while fighting on the frontline in Ukraine was sacked when he tried to return to his job here. Devastated Brian Meagher, who was a prison officer in Mountjoy, suffered 17 entry and exit wounds among other severe injuries when he was shot multiple times and struck with shrapnel as he fought in Kharkiv last September.
Stephen Termini health update as injured US tourist out of coma but unaware his sons are present
US tourist Stephen Termini’s condition is "slowly getting better" with his seriously injured eye improving, but it is still not known if his vision has been affected. His sons Mike and Jesse Rizzuto are visiting him every day in Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital following their arrival here last week. Although Termini has emerged from a coma, he is still unaware that his sons are present.
Notorious Sligo drug dealer Barry Young jailed for directing organised crime gang
An anxiety-ridden gangster who had risen to be one of the top drug bosses in the country has been jailed for 11 years. Barry Young, 38, received his sentence at the Special Criminal Court after he pleaded guilty to directing a crime gang earlier this year. Mr Justice Tony Hunt said that the thug's activities, in which he oversaw a 20-strong mob, had been a "significant scourge" for people of Sligo.
Double tragedy as classmates die in separate incidents on Greek island holiday
Two teenage classmates have died in separate incidents on a holiday to Greece to celebrate the end of the school year. Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wal, both 18, tragically passed away on the island of Ios. The pair were on a trip with a large group who were celebrating after recently leaving St Michael’s College in Dublin. But the holiday turned to tragedy with the pair both losing their lives, which their former school described as a "devastating loss".
€1.2million worth of cocaine seized from notorious Traveller gang
A notorious Traveller mob whose €1.2million worth of cocaine was seized after gardai intercepted two cars are among the most significant players in the drugs trade in the country. The mob, who officers also recovered over €350,000 from after finding the cash in two bags in follow up searches, are a "priority target" for investigators from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
Murder accused 'dialled 999' after mum 'knifed to death during savage attack'
A man who allegedly stabbed a woman to death before calling 999 is being questioned by police. The victim, named locally as Anna Mooney, was found at her home in Raheny, north Dublin, shortly before 1am on Thursday. Officers are now questioning a man in his 50s on suspicion of murder after he was arrested at the property, DublinLive reports. It has been claimed that the suspect called for an ambulance after the ‘savage attack’ with the gardai also alerted.
Man, 40s, in a 'serious condition' after stabbing in west Dublin
A man has been rushed to hospital after being stabbed in west Dublin this evening. The victim, in his 40s, was injured on the Main Street of Ongar this evening at around 7pm. He was rushed to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown where he is in serious condition. READ MORE: Teen who died in Tallaght electric bike crash remembered as 'always so happy and joyful' The scene has been sealed off as a major probe is underway. Gardai will speak to witnesses and gather CCTV to establish what happened.
Do you have the four reading skills kids need for Sats tests? Original
Image source, Getty Images For several days, debate has raged over the complexity of last week's Year 6 Sats reading paper. Some of the children who took it were reportedly in tears afterwards, while the government said that tests are "designed to be challenging". Many parents and teachers complained that it was simply too difficult for pupils to complete in the required hour, with one head teacher saying it had left her school's "capable" readers "broken".
Joe Biden's Ireland visit: Armed plain-clothes gardaí to cordon off areas in bid to limit crowd access
Plain clothes armed gardaí will front cordoned-off areas where crowds gather to get a glimpse of Joe Biden in a bid to limit access to the US President. The Irish Mirror can reveal that as part of the major security measures being put in place to ensure Mr Biden’s safety, locations where people can engage with him will be “front-filled” by gardaí.
Dickie Davies, host of ITV's World of Sport for nearly two decades, dies
Image source, Getty Images By Sam Hancock & John Hand BBC News TV presenter Dickie Davies, who was the face of ITV sports coverage for more than two decades, has died. The star presented the Saturday afternoon show World of Sport from the 1960s until it ended in 1985. The show, a mix of live sport including racing, wrestling and football results, competed with BBC's Grandstand.
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