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Trump foils Chinese spy ring on Whitehouse sightseeing tour

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Trump foils Chinese spy ring on Whitehouse sightseeing tour
Trump foils Chinese spy ring on Whitehouse sightseeing tour

Trump spots Chinese spies, gives chase, Secret Service stops the impromptu pursuit.

By Our Political Correspondent: Polly Ticks

WASHINGTON—The White House confirmed on Tuesday that three individuals later identified as Chinese government spies were apprehended on the executive mansion’s grounds after being discovered “roaming with curiosity” near the Oval Office windows.

According to officials, President Donald Trump first noticed the trio while standing at the Oval Office window, where he was reportedly admiring the ongoing construction of what aides described as his “beloved and extremely tasteful” White House ballroom. The structure, which Trump has repeatedly compared to facilities in Mar-a-Lago, appeared to be the focal point of his attention until movement outside the window interrupted his inspection.

Witnesses say Trump observed the three individuals peering into the Oval Office with what sources described as “professional interest.” Moments later, Trump exited the White House at speed and pursued the startled figures across the lawn, allegedly shouting remarks about trespassing, national security, and the superior quality of American windows.

China Crisis

The chase was short-lived. Secret Service agents, trained for a range of scenarios but not typically presidential footraces, intervened within seconds and apprehended the intruders without incident. The individuals were detained, questioned, and described by officials as “clearly not tourists.”

In a brief statement, a Secret Service spokesperson confirmed that the situation was resolved swiftly and that no classified information was compromised. “At no point was the Oval Office ballroom brochure exposed,” the spokesperson added.

Trump later addressed reporters, describing the incident as “very unfortunate for them” and praising both his own vigilance and the responsiveness of the Secret Service. “You have to watch the windows,” he said. “Great windows, the best windows—but people look.”

The Chinese government declined to comment, while White House staff confirmed that construction on the ballroom continued uninterrupted.

Meanwhile: Russian submarine spying on Felixstowe

Hey Joe, I mean Johnny: Rock legend Jimi Hendrix’s real name revealed

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Hey Joe, I mean Johnny: Rock legend Jimi Hendrix’s real name revealed
Rock legend Jimi Hendrix's real name revealed

World stunned to learn Jimi Hendrix was originally named Johnny.

By Our Entertainment Editor: Arthur Pint

The global music community was left stunned this week by the revelation that legendary psychedelic rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix was originally named Johnny Allen Hendrix. The discovery has prompted widespread disbelief, quiet nodding, and at least one academic conference hastily rebranded “Johnny 1967.”

According to newly re-circulated biographical records, Hendrix was born Johnny Allen Hendrix in 1942. In 1946, his parents changed his name to James Marshall Hendrix, honouring his father, James Allen, and his late brother, Leon Marshall. Historians have noted—without resisting the temptation—that this decision would later result in a near-mythical coincidence linking Hendrix to Marshall guitar amplifiers, the very equipment he would famously push to physical, spiritual, and electrical limits.

No Shocker

Experts confirm that while the name change had no causal effect on amplifier distortion, it has nonetheless unsettled fans. “People were prepared for a lot of things,” said one cultural commentator. “But Johnny Hendrix feels like learning Mozart was once called Dave.”

The revelation has reignited interest in the long tradition of famous figures quietly abandoning their given names for something more commercially resilient.

Other notable examples include:

Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, a name widely regarded as incompatible with sequins.

Freddie Mercury, originally Farrokh Bulsara, before opting for something more arena-ready.

Bob Dylan, born Robert Zimmerman, who chose a name suggesting either poetry or a man who might borrow your lighter.

David Bowie, previously David Robert Jones, changed to avoid confusion with a Monkee.

Lady Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, later streamlined for ease of chanting.

Bruno Mars, originally Peter Gene Hernandez, renamed for reasons involving showmanship and possibly astrology.

As for Hendrix, scholars agree that while history may now picture him as Johnny, the feedback-drenched legacy remains unchanged. Still, fans worldwide are adjusting to the idea that rock’s most electrifying icon may once have been asked, at least briefly, to “put the guitar down, Johnny.”

Chewbacca spotted living rent-free in Suffolk hairdo

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Chewbacca spotted living rent-free in Suffolk hairdo
Chewbacca spotted living rent-free in Suffolk hairdo

Suffolk pensioner’s hair resembles Chewbacca, exciting fans, baffling herself.

By Our Norfolk Reporter: Ian Bred

Suffolk retiree Mildred Shuffle has found herself at the centre of an unexpected Sci-Fi cult following after a photograph of her chatting with a friend revealed what many believe to be the unmistakable face of Chewbacca hidden within her hair.

The image, taken at the Sundown care home in Bungay, appears to show the Star Wars Wookiee’s famous furrowed brow, nose and mournful eyes rendered with surprising accuracy in the curls of Mildred’s thick, shaggy brown hairstyle. The photograph was shared online by a friend and rapidly circulated among science-fiction forums, where it was analysed, enlarged and annotated within minutes.

Experts remain divided on whether the image represents a rare example of spontaneous follicular pareidolia or something more troubling. Some fans have suggested Mildred may be unknowingly hosting a dormant Wookiee consciousness, while others argue the lighting conditions and natural curl patterns fully explain the phenomenon. No official position has yet been issued by Lucasfilm.

Once upon a time, in a hair salon far, far away

Mildred, 78, appeared largely unmoved by the attention. “It’s just my bleedin’ hair,” she said, adding that she has always worn it that way because it “doesn’t argue back.” She confirmed she has never seen Star Wars and initially assumed Chewbacca was “some sort of dog.”

Mildred reports receiving thousands of letters from fans across the world, many addressing her as “The Hairy One” and some written entirely in what she understands to be the Wookiee language, Shyriiwook. Several gifts have also arrived, including scarves, figurines and one small crossbow, which she has donated to a charity shop.

Organisers of the next major Star Wars fan gathering in London have formally invited Mildred as a guest of honour. She has yet to decide whether to attend, citing bingo commitments and concerns about “laser beams.”

As for the face in her hair, Mildred remains unconcerned. “If there is a little man in there,” she said, “he’s been very quiet, and I’d like it to stay that way.”

Meanwhile: Legendary Seagull ‘73’ honoured

Suffolk Gazette 2025: A Year in Review

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Suffolk Gazette 2025: A Year in Review
Suffolk Gazette 2025: A Year in Review

As 2025 draws to a close, Suffolk and beyond have seen a year of stories so bizarre, poignant, and occasionally sticky that local residents may require a stiff cup of tea just to process it all.

The year began in January with a literal speeding ticket for the county’s youngest road user: a five-year-old scooter enthusiast in Lowestoft, who somehow accrued six points on a driving licence he won’t be eligible for until 2037. Parents were left stunned, police solemn, and the toddler reportedly moved on to stock car racing on his PlayStation.

February

Brought aquatic policing of a very different kind, as Suffolk’s Special Duck Boat Unit debuted on Blundell Lake to curb a spike in mallard poaching, creating the sort of gentle chaos that only a twenty-foot disguised police duck can inspire.

March

Stratford-upon-Avon witnessed a historical scandal of sorts, as William Shakespeare was revealed to have been a workshy layabout, scribbling his existential indecision in the margins of Twelfth Night. Clearly, procrastination is timeless.

April

headlines followed Margaret Bodge, a retiree from Elveden who claims to have “completed television,” having watched every show on every streaming platform—twice. Experts warned of Total Streaming Saturation Syndrome, while locals simply applauded her dedication.

May

saw Grantham gearing up for a centenary celebration of Margaret Thatcher, complete with bitterly named beers and whispered disco ambitions, while June hosted a High Street feud as the Pet Shop Boys opened rival DIY outlets in Lowestoft, quarrelling over parking and passive-aggressive Post-it notes.

July

offered a thousand-mile heartbreak as Craig Proclaimer finally walked to his ex-girlfriend’s door, only to discover his twin brother had already arrived. August brought Alex Polizzi to migrant hotels, enforcing order with scatter cushions, Egyptian cotton, and her famously raised eyebrow.

September

Meanwhile, chronicled James Edwards of Bury St Edmunds, whose lifelong struggle with the Lottery ended in a £3.50 heartbreak, whileOctober unearthed a six-year-old Keir Starmer in a chimpanzee costume, jam doughnut in hand, demonstrating early flair for managed enthusiasm.

November

saw Meghan Markle commissioning Vic Reeves for a surreal Diana portrait, proving that Dada and royalty mix spectacularly, and December closed the year with Birmingham’s 20-metre rubbish-bag Christmas tree, delighting striking bin workers and clearing out the German Market in equal measure.

From scooter prodigies to pile-driving civic creativity, 2025 has been a year of spectacle, satire, and the quiet, enduring magic of Suffolk life. One thing is certain: if next year is even half as strange, readers may want to invest in eye protection—and a strong nose plug.

Why Events Like ICE London Are Key to Soft2Bet’s Evolution

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Why Events Like ICE London Are Key to Soft2Bet’s Evolution
Why Events Like ICE London Are Key to Soft2Bet’s Evolution

The iGaming space moves quickly, but real-world interaction still holds value. Since launching in 2016, Soft2Bet has become a tech-savvy player with high-performing brands, a leading gamification solution, and reliable tools built for regulated markets — all backed by a focus on innovation and meaningful partnerships. Showing up at major events isn’t just for visibility. It’s part of a smart strategy that keeps the company growing.

From Industry Participant to Strategic Influencer

Industry events aren’t just calendar fillers for Soft2Bet — they’re checkpoints for progress. Among them, ICE London has become the main stage, where global players in gaming and tech gather to share, challenge, and evolve. For Soft2Bet, it’s more than a handshake opportunity. It’s where big ideas get tested, new directions take shape, and partnerships move from concept to contract. These moments help steer the company’s future while keeping its innovation grounded in what the market actually needs.

Soft2Bet has shown up at ICE London year after year, each time raising the bar. Early appearances were all about making introductions: showcasing its portfolio and proving itself as a reliable, licensed partner for casino and sportsbook operators alike. Subsequent years saw growth in both scale and substance, with the company’s own gamification suite — MEGA — becoming a central talking point for partners and peers alike.

What Makes Presence at Events Like ICE London Strategic

It’s easy to measure a conference by how many booths were set up or flyers handed out, but the real value lies in what comes next. Soft2Bet doesn’t aim for flashy moments. The focus is always on real dialogue — the kind that leads to solid partnerships, not fleeting small talk. Here’s what that looks like when put into practice:

  1. Live Demos and Workshops

Soft2Bet brings its MEGA platform and PAM (Player Account Management) system to life with hands-on demos that show real results. Operators don’t just hear about features — they see how personalized gamification, smart engagement tools, and flexible backend setups can actually boost performance.

  1. Thought Leadership Participation

Senior executives from the business don’t just stand on the exhibition floor — they take part in panels, lead discussions and host regulatory and product workshops that position the company as a knowledgeable voice on subjects from compliance to personalization.

  1. Regulatory Conversation

This is often an understated part of conference participation. ICE London draws regulators, operators and solution providers together, offering opportunities to stay current on legislative shifts and compliance challenges — areas where Soft2Bet has made significant investments and built expertise.

How Soft2Bet Advances Through Conferences

The company’s participation in ICE London and other high‑profile forums has several positive knock‑on effects. Most immediately, it supports brand visibility and partner discussions. But beyond that, it plays a role in how Soft2Bet:

  • Builds strong industry ties with new and existing partners.
  • Puts MEGA and other innovations in front of the right crowd.
  • Shows steady, responsible growth in line with regulations.
  • Stays close to key regulators in every licensed market.

What Real Engagement Looks Like

Soft2Bet attends events with purpose. Every event is a working opportunity for Soft2Bet. A chance to connect, exchange ideas that matter, and start conversations that continue well after the lights go down. It’s not about collecting contacts; it’s about forming partnerships with real potential.

At major expos like ICE London, Soft2Bet brings more than just a polished booth. It brings substance. Soft2Bet uses industry events to share sharp, experience-based insights on where the market’s headed and how technology and regulation are shaping the landscape. 

Off the stage, the team takes time for deeper conversations with partners and operators — listening closely, identifying real challenges, and exploring how their tools can provide value. By building trust and opening up meaningful dialogue, they often lead to partnerships that continue well beyond the event floor.

Ipswich Residents Alarmed by “Alien” Robot Sighting

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Ipswich Residents Alarmed by “Alien” Robot Sighting
Ipswich Residents Alarmed by “Alien” Robot Sighting

BREAKING: Robotic “Alien” Sighted in Ipswich Park, Authorities Reassure Public

By Our Angling Correspondent: Courtney Pike

IPSWICH—Residents of Ipswich awoke to reports of a mysterious robotic alien discovered standing motionless in a local park, prompting speculation that Suffolk may be the opening chapter in a full-scale extraterrestrial invasion.

The object, first spotted early this morning, resembles a cylindrical mechanical lifeform with rigid outstretched arms, a single dark “head,” and what witnesses have described as a “cold, observant stare.” Several locals compared its appearance to droids from Star Wars or the tripods of War of the Worlds, noting that it appeared to be surveying the surrounding grassland with quiet intent.

“I’ve lived here 40 years and I’ve never seen anything like it,” said one dog walker, who admitted to crossing the park at speed after making eye contact with the entity. “It was just standing there. Watching. Menacingly.”

Emergency services attended the scene shortly after photographs began circulating online. A temporary cordon was established while officials assessed whether the object posed a threat, was transmitting signals to a mothership, or intended to harvest local residents for research.

Unidentified Flying Bin

Upon closer inspection, the alien was revealed to be a municipal litter receptacle, complete with side-mounted metal bars and a small aperture believed to be used for waste disposal rather than laser fire. However, authorities acknowledged that the design was “unhelpfully intergalactic.”

“It does look like something that might demand our resources,” said a council spokesperson. “But at this stage, we believe it is designed primarily to collect crisp packets.”

Despite reassurances, concern remains high. Online forums have suggested the bin could be a reconnaissance unit, disguised to blend into British infrastructure, slowly gathering intelligence on human snack consumption.

The object remains in place, unmoving and silent. Officials say there is no immediate danger, but have advised the public not to approach it, attempt communication, or place household waste inside “just in case.”

Further updates are expected if the situation escalates—or if recycling collection day triggers a response.

Must Read: Brown bear spotted in Britain for first time in 1,500 years

Granny narrowly survives the great Irn-Bru famine of Aberdeen

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Granny narrowly survives the great Irn-Bru famine of Aberdeen
Granny narrowly survives the great Irn-Bru famine of Aberdeen

Scottish granny nearly dies after losing Irn-Bru, rescued by son.

By Our Crime Correspondent: Hugh Dunnett

A Scottish granny narrowly avoided tragedy this week after being rendered almost immobile by a sudden and severe shortage of her favourite soft drink, Irn-Bru. Irma Killdunny, 82, of Aberdeen, reportedly relies on the orange-hued beverage almost exclusively, describing it as “the only thing keeping the joints moving and the soul ticking.”

According to family sources, the crisis began when Mrs Killdunny could not locate her usual crate of 24 cans, a shortage that quickly escalated into what medical observers have termed “near-catastrophic dehydration.” Neighbours noted her absence from the usual daily routines — no newspaper delivery checked, no scones shared, and not a single casual remark about the weather.

Slumped

The situation reached a climax when her son, Jock Killdunny, paid his routine visit on Tuesday afternoon. He reportedly found his mother “slumped backwards, pale, and whispering faintly about the girders,” referring to the well-known slogan describing Irn-Bru as “made from girders.” Even more alarmingly, the missing crate was discovered balanced precariously atop her head, suggesting that Mrs Killdunny had been looking for something she would never find.

Emergency services were not required, though Jock reportedly administered “rapid hydration therapy” in the form of multiple cans of Irn-Bru directly into her hands and lap. Mrs Killdunny was said to recover almost immediately, remarking that “nothing else will ever do. Tea? Water? Ha. Girders only.”

A Serious Hazard

Local doctors issued a gentle reminder that, while Irn-Bru can be an effective morale booster, prolonged reliance on a single soft drink is not recommended for general health, though they admitted they “would not interfere with a Scottish granny’s relationship with her beloved beverage.”

The Killdunny household has since restocked the supply, and Mrs Killdunny reportedly plans a new inventory system to ensure no crate goes missing again, with Jock promising to install “crate tracking and occasional supervision” as standard practice.

The incident has sparked quiet amusement across Aberdeen, where locals now refer to her temporarily weakened state as “The Great Irn-Bru Famine of 2025.”

BREAKING: Great White Shark attacks squirrel

Re-inCARnation? Historians Unearth Occult Past of Clarkson’s Spooky Ancestor

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Re-inCARnation? Historians Unearth Occult Past of Clarkson’s Spooky Ancestor
Re-inCARnation? Historians Unearth Occult Past of Clarkson’s Spooky Ancestor

Diaries reveal Clarkson ancestor predicted reincarnation as loud car-loving Jeremy.

By Our Entertainment Editor: Arthur Pint

LONDON—Historians have revealed that Jeremy Clarkson’s great, great grandmother, Countess Marjorie Clarkson of Kircaldy, was an enthusiastic occultist who firmly believed the dead could rise again, reincarnate, or at the very least make a noise in the corner of a darkened drawing room.

The discovery comes after a cache of diaries belonging to the Countess, who died in 1912, was uncovered during routine archival cataloguing. The handwritten volumes show that Marjorie Clarkson wrote extensively—and without apparent irony—about ghosts, reincarnation, resurrection, and the general unreliability of physical death.

In one entry, she describes spirits as “terribly chatty,” while another details her conviction that the soul “merely changes address.” Several passages record séances held at respectable homes, complete with tea, candlelight, and what she referred to as “vigorous table rumblings.”

Grave prediction

Occultism was fashionable among Victorian society’s upper ranks, and the diaries place the Countess in social circles that included Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens, both of whom are said to have attended gatherings where conversation alternated between literature, politics, and attempts to contact the deceased via Ouija board. Historians stress this was considered entirely respectable at the time.

One entry has drawn particular attention. In a séance dated 1889, Marjorie records a message allegedly received from beyond the grave predicting that she herself would one day be reincarnated “as a man of considerable volume, enthusiasm, and mechanical obsession, named Jeremy.”

Representatives for Jeremy Clarkson declined to comment, though sources close to him suggested he was “unsurprised” and “mildly disappointed it didn’t involve Viking warriors.”

Historians confirm the diaries are authentic and say further analysis is ongoing, particularly into whether the Countess ever attempted to contact the future presenters of Top Gear directly.

Meanwhile: Revealed: Donald Trump’s Norfolk ancestry with royal links

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