Author: Benjamin

Throughout the year, local people stepped up in extraordinary ways, whether through fundraising, innovation, personal challenge or simply bringing joy to others. From life-changing charity efforts to moments of everyday inspiration, these stories reminded us of the power of individuals to make a difference. Below are some of the inspiring south east Londoners we celebrated in 2025. Long Island Ink hosted a moving fundraiser aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding suicide. Organised by Megan Pitchford in memory of her brother-in-law Curtis, the event brought people together through love, remembrance and openness. Curtis, who died aged 25 in March 2024, had…

An entrepreneur has blamed council delays after he put land he had earmarked for social housing up for sale at more than six times the purchase price.Peter Waddell, founder of used car supermarket Big Motoring World, snapped up the disused plot in Barwick Road, Dover, with a “cheeky bid” of £800,000 in 2020.Peter Waddell on the site in Barwick Road, Dover, where he wanted to build 120 council houses. Picture: John McLellanHe wanted to build a 120-home estate for people needing council homes on the former dairy site and gained full planning permission earlier this year.But he says Dover District…

Image Credit: Getty Images British boxer Anthony Joshua, who recently defeated Jake Paul in a Miami match, was involved in a car crash that killed two other passengers. Fans and peers were naturally concerned about the 36-year-old fighter and his condition following the accident, which took place in Nigeria on December 29, 2025, after pictures and videos of the incident circulated on social media. Paul, 28, sent his regards to his opponent in a tweet after news of the crash made headlines. He wrote, “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and…

Joseph Udosen was behind the wheel of a Toyota Auris on the A2 Dartford Bypass on August 25.  He was stopped by police and gave a breath alcohol reading of 143 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.  The legal breath alcohol limit for driving is 35 micrograms.  Udosen, 36, of Maclure Road in Northfleet, was charged with drink driving.  He pleaded guilty to the charge at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on September 10.  On Monday, November 3, he returned to the court for sentencing.  Udosen was given a one-year community order including 250 hours of unpaid work.  He was also given a…

View gallery Image Credit: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock Miles Teller has been establishing himself as one of the biggest names in Hollywood for over a decade. After breaking out in The Spectacular Now, the actor got even more famous for his role in the Divergent film series, but he got some of the most critical acclaim when he starred in the 2014 film Whiplash. Since then, he’s gone on to other major movies and franchises, like the hit Top Gun: Maverick. In his personal life, Miles has enjoyed just as much success with his wife, Keleigh Sperry, by his side since 2019. The pair even got to…

Image Credit: Everett/AP Malcolm in the Middle was an instant hit when it premiered on January 9, 2000, quickly becoming one of the highest-rated and most beloved sitcoms of the 2000s. The FOX series followed the wild antics of the Wilkerson family and concluded in 2006 after 151 episodes, earning 33 Emmy nominations and seven wins during its original run. The show centered on Malcolm, played by Frankie Muniz, and his eccentric family, including parents Bryan Cranston (Hal) and Jane Kaczmarek (Lois), along with his siblings. Though the series ended nearly two decades ago, the cast has remained connected, and…

View gallery Image Credit: Getty Images Christian “King” Combs is one of Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ six children, and he’s remained supportive of his father following his 2025 sex trafficking trial. Along with his siblings, Christian attended the first day of Diddy’s trial in New York City, where the whole Combs family put on a united front through the end of the trial in July 2025. They also appeared during their father’s sentencing hearing that October. Now, alongside his brother Justin Combs, Christian announced the 2026 release of their upcoming docuseries that chronicles the fallout from their father’s highly publicized trial.…

Image Credit: WireImage Sean “Diddy” Combs has remained at the center of headlines following his high-profile federal criminal case on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering in Manhattan. The trial, which began in May 2025, included testimony from multiple accusers — including singer Cassie Ventura — and ended with Combs being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was sentenced in October 2025 and is currently serving time in federal prison, while his legal team continues to pursue an appeal. Throughout the legal proceedings and in the months since, attention has also turned to Combs’ children,…

View gallery Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Eric Dane, best known for his roles on Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy, revealed in April 2025 that he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Since then, the actor has continued working when possible and used his public platform to advocate for research and support for people living with ALS. In late September 2025, Eric traveled to Washington, D.C. with the nonprofit I Am ALS to meet with lawmakers and push for the reauthorization of the ACT for ALS — federal legislation that provides research funding and access…

In that time there have been cases which shocked and appalled us in equal measure. They include the pub landlord who used a camera to spy on punters using the toilet, the 14-year-old boy stabbed to death on a bus and a care worker who abused a frail pensioner days before his death. As 2025 comes to a close we reflect on the work of police and prosecutors, as well as the courage and determination of witnesses and victims who have ensured justice is done, by looking back on some of the cases we’ve reported on. Pub landlord spied on punters in…