Latest news with #ECHO
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Man accused of gangland 'murders' of Eddie Lyons and Ross Monaghan appears in court
Michael Riley, 44, appeared in court in the latest stage of the extradition proceedings. The man accused of gunning down Eddie Lyons and Ross Monaghan in Spain appeared in court today. Michael Terrence Riley from the Merseyside area, was arrested by local officers last week in connection with the deaths after an international arrest warrant was issued by Spanish cops. He is charged with two counts of murder and one of possession of a firearm over the incident which saw Monaghan, 43, and Lyons, 46, killed at Monaghan's bar in Fuengirola. Riley first appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday, Thursday, June 19, but the hearing was delayed due to technical issues. During a brief hearing today, a court date for his next appearance was set, reports the ECHO. Riley, who is represented in court by specialist extradition lawyer Renata Pinter, will appear again before the same court next month, on July 18. He was remanded in custody until then. The full hearing, where Riley will challenge extradition, is scheduled for October 9 this year. The Lyons crime clan has been locked in a deadly feud with the rival Daniel mob for a quarter of a century, following the theft of drugs from a Glasgow safe house in 2001. A top Spanish cop told reporters that the assassinations of Monaghan and Lyons are part of the feud, claiming that Riley is a member of the Daniel gang. Speaking at a press conference in Spain, Pedro Agudo Novo said: "The double murder was carried out by a professional killer and member of one of the victims' rival gangs. "In this case we are not talking about an independent hired killer but an internal member of the rival Daniels gang who ends up assassinating two members of an enemy gang." But Scottish police, who have been investigating the war between the rival crime syndicates for decades, seemed to suggest the killing had nothing to do with their rivalry - or the war on the Daniel mob being waged by Lyons associate Ross McGill. Henchmen of the Dubai-based former Rangers ultra - who headed the Union Bears fan group and is nicknamed 'Miami' - have waged war on the Daniel mob and associates for the last few months. That feud has seen a number of homes, people and businesses targeted in firebombings, knife attacks and shootings, in Glasgow, Edinburgh and surrounding areas, and is being investigated by Police Scotland as part of Operation Portaledge.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Warning issued as 'monster jellyfish' spotted on Merseyside beach
A "monster jellyfish" was spotted on the Merseyside coastline this week, with the local council offering advice to people visiting the beach as the hot weather continues. With temperatures rising across the region as we officially head into summer, it is common for jellyfish to appear in waters around Merseyside, including Sefton which is home to some of Merseyside's nicest beaches. But one beachgoer told the ECHO how they spotted what they described as a "monster jellyfish" on Crosby Beach. They said: "You couldn't move for jellyfish yesterday. Every 50 metres, there was another one. READ MORE: Mum and daughter, eight, found dead at home READ MORE: Met Office confirm thunderstorms to hit UK in 13-hour warning "Most were fairly small in size, but one was monstrous, it was quite shocking to see. Some of them were on the beach, and others were floating on the swash. I'd hate for anyone to get stung while swimming or walking." A council spokesperson told the ECHO it advises people to avoid touching jellyfish that appear on the shore and to keep dogs under close control. A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: 'It is common for jellyfish of varying sizes to be spotted along our coastline during the warmer months. "There are a variety of jellyfish that live in our seas and while some may be harmless, some can give a painful sting. 'While we can't know for sure the type of the jellyfish from looking at the photograph, most jellyfish found in the UK do not cause serious harm. 'However, we advise people avoid touching them and keep dogs under close control while enjoying our natural coastline.' For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here. Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here Try the Liverpool Echo Premium app and get the first month free
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arne Slot blown away by Liverpool player who has 'met all expectations' - 'not seen by many'
Arne Slot pays tribute to "perfect goalkeeper" Alisson Becker in a brand new documentary profiling Liverpool's No.1. In a three-part series called 'Alisson: My Story' Slot heaps praise on the ability of the Brazil international, saying he has the ideal skill set for a modern goalkeeper to thrive at the elite level. Advertisement The LFC Original docuseries premieres on Friday at midday before episodes two and three arrive on official club channels on June 23 and 26, respectively and Slot is fulsome in his credit, saying: 'He meets almost all expectations you want from the perfect goalkeeper. READ MORE: What the ECHO understands about Liverpool transfer plans as Jarell Quansah closes in on £35m exit READ MORE: Arne Slot set to make summer decision over Liverpool signing that infuriated rivals "Normally, you have to accept from a goalkeeper that maybe one or two he doesn't have, but he's comfortable with the ball at his feet. Advertisement 'He's relaxed, so he has no stress at all, where sometimes you see goalkeepers that are comfortable with the ball – good in the execution – are having a little bit of stress when the ball comes to them. But it seems as if he has no stress at all! 'Then of course because he is so tall, in crosses he can come for every single cross. That is really helpful for every defence. And shot-stopping is maybe his best asset he has. "It's very hard to score a goal against him from outside the box, it's almost impossible. And inside the box you have to be really precise if you want to score a goal against him.' Slot adds: 'I think that role [in the Premier League title win] is clear for everyone who watched all our games – in the moments we needed him, he was there for us. Advertisement 'But what is not known for everyone is his influence in the group. He is not the loudest but every time he speaks, everyone is listening. "Before the game he is not the one who speaks most but he's always there to bring messages to the players, and I think this is what's not being seen by many: that he is one of the leaders of our group. 'Not by being vocal a lot but by being the person that he is. So, I think everybody feels comfortable with him, because he's such a good human being. But he's also a leader in terms of motivating the group, whenever he thinks that's necessary.'
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Inconsiderate parkers slammed as families attend fun day
A local council has hit out at "inconsiderate" parkers after it issued more than 30 fines to cars parked around a family fun day. Sefton Council told the ECHO it issued 38 parking charges to vehicles near Botanic Gardens in Southport while people enjoyed a family fun day. People gathered in the park in the north of the town to celebrate its 150th birthday, with stalls and activities for children set up throughout the grounds. Despite hundreds enjoying the day at the park, a car was unable to leave due to illegal parking blocking them in. As a result, the council was called and found dozens of people had parked illegally on the roads surrounding the park. One of the cars involved had parked entirely on a footpath, impeding people coming and going. READ MORE: Mum and daughter, eight, found dead at home READ MORE: Ava White's murderer named for first time The parking charges were as follows: Balmoral Drive - four - all for parking on or adjacent to yellow lines Bankfield Lane - 18 - all for parking on or adjacent to yellow lines Botanic Road - six - five for parking on or adjacent to yellow lines, one for parking in a free space for longer than permitted Verulam Road - 10 - all for parking on or adjacent to yellow lines A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: 'While we are delighted that so many people enjoyed the recent Botanic Gardens Fun Day in Southport, there is no excuse for inconsiderate and illegal parking. 'While regular patrols take place in Churchtown as a matter of course, we were dismayed to note a distinct increase in drivers parking illegally throughout Sunday, June 15 resulting in 38 Penalty Charge Notices being issued. 'All but one of these notices were issued to motorists who had parked on or adjacent to double yellow lines, including parking fully on the footway. "This inconsiderate and illegal parking caused significant disruption not only to residents but to public transport, other visitors to the park and an emergency services vehicle. 'Furthermore while attempting to resolve this issue and carrying out their jobs, our Civil Enforcement Officers received significant abuse. This type of behaviour is completely unjust and uncalled for.' For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter. Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @ - official Liverpool ECHO accounts - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Newsweek
12 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Map Shows States Where Drinking Water Contamination is Highest
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new study by researchers at Columbia University has revealed the states that have higher rates of arsenic in public drinking water systems, most of which are in the West and Midwest. Michigan, South Dakota, Nevada, and California were all states that had areas with levels of higher than 5 micrograms per liter of arsenic in the drinking water. The study found that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water may increase the risk of below average birth weight and other adverse birth outcomes. Why It Matters Arsenic is a natural element that can be found in soils, sediments, and groundwater, meaning it can feed into public drinking water systems. Water sources in some parts of the U.S. have higher naturally occurring levels of inorganic arsenic than other areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At high levels, exposure to arsenic can cause symptoms ranging from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to dehydration and shock. Long-term exposure has been associated with skin disorders and increased risks for diabetes, high blood pressure, and several types of cancer. While EPA has determined that there is a safe level of exposure at less than 10 micrograms per liter, the new study suggests that the maximum level of accepted arsenic exposure may still be associated with health risks. A map showing the levels of arsenic in drinking water in different locations. A map showing the levels of arsenic in drinking water in different locations. Uncredited/JAMA Network What To Know The study was conducted via review of 14,000 pregnancies across 35 cohort sites participating in the National Institutes of Health's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, and its findings were published on the medical journal site JAMA Network earlier this week. It also assessed the level of arsenic in public drinking water systems in various areas nationwide—based on data from 2017 to 2019, with the exception of Michigan, as data was not available in that time period for the state and instead was taken from 2009 to 2011. The findings, as shown in the map above, revealed that Western and Midwestern states were more likely to have higher levels of arsenic in public drinking water. The disparity is because some states "have elevated arsenic levels primarily due to natural geology, with some contribution from human activities," Vasilis Vasiliou, chair and professor of environmental health sciences at Yale School of Public Health, told Newsweek. "Arsenic naturally leaches from rocks into groundwater in regions with volcanic, mineral-rich, or sedimentary formations," which is common in the Southwest, Midwest, and parts of California's Central Valley, he said. "Many affected communities depend on groundwater-fed wells, which are more prone to arsenic contamination than surface water," he added. Vasiliou said that agricultural runoff and irrigation practices were also factors at play, particularly in areas like California's Central Valley or Nebraska's farming regions. "Small rural and Indigenous communities often bear the highest burden, especially those relying on underfunded or poorly monitored water systems," he added. "Many small water systems lack the capacity for frequent testing or advanced arsenic removal. Without federal or state investment, meaningful reduction in exposure is unlikely," Vasiliou said. While the EPA continues to maintain that exposure to arsenic in drinking water at a level of less than 10 micrograms per liter "protects public health based on the best available science and ensures that the cost of the standard is achievable," some states have taken measures into their own hands. New Jersey and New Hampshire have since enacted stricter limits of 5 micrograms per liter. "The 10 micrograms per liter limit is a political and economic compromise, not a health-based standard, and likely insufficient to fully protect the public, especially over a lifetime of exposure," Vasiliou said. What People Are Saying Vasilis Vasiliou, chair and professor of environmental health sciences at Yale School of Public Health, told Newsweek: "Even at low-to-moderate levels of chronic exposure (e.g., 5—10 µg/L), arsenic has been linked to cardiovascular disease, including increased risk of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and ischemic heart disease—possibly due to endothelial damage and oxidative stress. It has also been linked to type 2 diabetes, as arsenic can impair pancreatic β-cell function and glucose metabolism. Low-level exposure has also been associated with reduced cognitive performance, particularly in children, and possibly neurodegeneration in older adults. Chronic exposure, even at levels near or below the EPA maximum, has been linked to bladder, lung, skin, and possibly kidney and liver cancers. Arsenic disrupts immune function as well, increasing susceptibility to infections and possibly reducing vaccine effectiveness." He added: "The current EPA maximum contaminant level of 10 µg/L was set in 2001, and enforced in 2006, based largely on cancer risk, balancing feasibility and cost. However, more recent studies suggest adverse health effects at levels well below 10 µg/L, especially for sensitive populations. A growing number of researchers argue that no safe threshold may exist for certain outcomes like prenatal exposure, cardiovascular disease, and cancer." What Happens Next The authors of the study called for further research to determine the influence of arsenic on public health, and stressed the importance of updating health-based water safety standards at both federal and state levels.
