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Frantic Friday expected as UK faces record-breaking travel chaos; millions of cars on roads, airports busy, train delays due to driver shortages and infrastructure issues. Peak travel times between 3 PM and 7 PM, with gridlock anticipated on M25, M60, and key interchanges. M27 closure for major works affects journeys between Southampton and Portsmouth. Most drivers plan local trips, congestion concentrated around retail hotspots and motorway interchanges. TomTom warns of severe traffic tomorrow, Saturday. RAC forecasts highest leisure car trips since 2013. National Highways lifts 90% of roadworks to ease congestion, but significant rail engineering work causes disruptions after Christmas Day.

Today marks the release of Jeffrey Epsteins full files, following a year-long battle for transparency. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, initially opposed by some Republicans and Trump appointees, was signed into law by Trump after a Democrat provided the final signature. The Act mandates the release of unclassified records related to Epstein, with the Attorney Generals office retaining the power to redact certain records to protect victims and national security. The law also demands the release of internal Department of Justice communications regarding Epsteins charges and plea bargains, including the controversial 2008 agreement.

German Man Sentenced for Drugging, Raping, and Filming Wife; Videos Shared Online: A court in Aachen has sentenced a 61-year-old man to eight and a half years in prison for repeatedly drugging and raping his wife, filming the acts, and sharing the videos online. The man, identified as Fernando P., was found guilty of aggravated rape, sexual coercion, and dangerous bodily harm. He administered sedatives to his wife without her knowledge and recorded thirty-four instances of the abuse, with four coinciding with aggravated rape and dangerous bodily harm. The victim was able to testify and express her feelings in court, a significant step for her. The case has drawn comparisons to a similar French case from last year.

Extraordinary Ruling: Former Yodel Owner Likely Forgged Mothers Signature In a surprising turn of events, a high court judge has ruled that the former owner of Yodel, Jacob Corlett, likely forged his mothers signature. Corlett, a logistics entrepreneur, bought Yodel for a pound in 2024, planning to merge it with his own company. However, Yodel couldnt pay its debts, leading to a sale to Judge Logistics Limited, which was later bought by InPost for £106 million. Yodel sued Corlett for breach of duty, but Corlett counter-sued, claiming he owned documents giving his companies a majority stake in Yodel. The judge concluded Corlett probably forged his mothers initials, despite her testimony that she signed the documents herself. InPosts CEO called it an extraordinary judgment, and Yodel is considering further legal action.

Beryl Simcock, a 90-year-old dementia patient, died after 17 falls at Radcliffe Manor House care home. Her daughter, Janet Cheetham, seeks accountability despite a £24,000 settlement. The homes policy of not notifying families of minor falls led to unreported incidents. The final fall resulted in a fractured hip, pneumonia, and death. The coroners inquest found multiple failures, including inadequate care planning and lack of risk assessments. The home has since implemented improvements but remains under requires improvement status.

Big John, the Instagram food sensation, tested a fusion Christmas meal combining Spanish and British dishes, inspired by the El Gordo Lottery. He praised the Spanish jambon but disliked Brussels sprouts. This unique spread was commissioned by Lottoland for their Christmas draw. A survey shows many people are open to new holiday traditions, with 45% keen to try festive food from different cuisines. Despite preferring a traditional British Christmas dinner, 67% would try local dishes if celebrating abroad.

Gails bakery chain sparks debate with Christmas Day openings, offering free mince pies and special hours at ten London locations. Despite criticism, the company expands with plans to open forty new stores across England by February, despite concerns about gentrification and rising costs.

Three men were jailed for a violent brawl at a Kabaddi tournament in Derby, involving rival groups armed with weapons. The incident led to a second, unrelated murder, highlighting a feud among young men of Indian heritage.

This weekend, the Cobham Road bridge over the M25 in Surrey will close for essential maintenance from December 19th to 22nd. The closure aims to resurface the road, fix a defect, and improve safety by renewing waterproofing, replacing expansion joints, and refreshing road markings. Fully signed diversion routes will be in place, but high-sided vehicles should plan alternative routes due to a railway bridge height restriction. The bridge will close again in 2026 for further maintenance.