Channel crossings reach record high as four die, including two-year-old boy
The figure for Saturday is the highest single-day number of migrants making the cross-Channel journey this year
Migrants arrive at Dover Port after being picked up by a Border Force vessel in the English Channel on September 21, 2024 in Dover, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
By Eastern EyeOct 07, 2024
A record 973 migrants crossed the Channel on small boats on the same day in which four died while attempting the journey from France to England, UK Home Office figures showed Sunday.
The figure for Saturday is the highest single-day number of migrants making the cross-Channel journey this year, surpassing the previous high of 882 set on June 18.
On the same day, a two-year-old boy and three adults died after overloaded boats got into trouble during the dangerous crossing attempted by several thousand every year.
The tragedies bring the number of migrants killed attempting Channel crossings this year to 51, according to Jacques Billant, France's prefect for the Pas-de-Calais region.
Over 26,600 migrants have crossed the Channel on small boats in 2024 according to UK Home Office figures.
The deaths on Saturday were likely caused due to the victims being crushed in overloaded dinghies, according to authorities and prosecutors.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Saturday that it was "appalling that more lives have been lost in the Channel".
"Criminal smuggler gangs continue to organise these dangerous boat crossings," she wrote on X.
"The gangs do not care if people live or die -- this is a terrible trade in lives."
Keir Starmer's new Labour government has been at pains to reduce cross-Channel arrivals in small boats, a key issue in this year's general election in July.
The government has repeatedly pledged to "smash the gangs" of people smugglers who organise the perilous journeys. (AFP)
SUNIL BHARTI MITTAL, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been awarded an honorary doctorate in business administration by the University of Bath in the United Kingdom, the company said on Thursday.
The University of Bath is ranked among the UK’s top ten universities and is placed within the top 10 per cent globally, the statement added.
“Founder and Chairman, Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by the University of Bath, United Kingdom (UK),” the company said.
This is Mittal’s ninth honorary doctorate and his third from a UK institution. He was previously awarded the Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) by the University of Leeds in 2009 and the Doctor of Civil Law (Honoris Causa) by Newcastle University in 2012.
“I’m honoured to receive this recognition from the University of Bath, an institution renowned for its intellectual rigour, spirit of enterprise, and engagement with the world beyond the classroom,” Mittal said.
“We are very proud to honour Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal’s considerable achievements in enterprise, leadership and service to society. Not only has he built a world-leading global enterprise but his humanitarian work has impacted the lives of over 3.7 million children through education and rural development,” said Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath.
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Zafar Gohar of Middlesex bowls during the Vitality Blast Men's T20 match between Kent Spitfires and Middlesex at The Spitfire Ground on July 13, 2025 in Canterbury, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
FORMER Pakistan international Zafar Gohar has been signed by the Oval Invincibles for the upcoming edition of The Hundred. The left-arm spinner was one of 32 players selected in the Vitality Wildcard Draft, the final round of player recruitment for the tournament.
Gohar, 30, was born in Lahore and played one One-Day International for Pakistan against England in 2015 and a Test match against New Zealand in 2021.
He represented Gloucestershire as an overseas player between 2021 and 2024 before joining Middlesex ahead of the 2025 season as a local player, having obtained a British passport, a statement said.
Now eligible to play for England, Gohar will take part in The Hundred for the first time. The competition runs from August 5 to 31.
Gohar said his move to Middlesex and aim to qualify for England were motivated by opportunities in domestic cricket. “I have put myself forward for the drafts in previous years but hadn’t been picked up before, so to now have the chance to play in The Hundred is very exciting,” he said.
Gohar is one of two British Asian players selected in this year’s Wildcard Draft, alongside fast bowler Ajeet Singh Dale, who has been picked by Welsh Fire.
Six other British Asian players were selected in the main draft earlier this year, including Rehan Ahmed, Jafer Chohan, Mahika Gaur, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid and Saif Zaib.
The Wildcard Draft offers opportunities to players who were not selected earlier, based on their performances in the Vitality Blast.
Notable signings in this year’s Wildcard Draft include England fast bowler James Anderson, selected by Manchester Originals, and Rocky Flintoff, who joins Northern Superchargers. Flintoff, 17, will play under the coaching of his father, Andrew Flintoff.
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Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot caught on Coldplay kiss cam during Boston show
Coldplay’s kiss cam at Gillette Stadium unexpectedly captured Astronomer CEO Andy Byron in a seemingly intimate moment with HR head Kristin Cabot.
Both executives, reportedly married to other people, were seen reacting nervously when spotlighted.
Chris Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” prompting online uproar.
The clip has gone viral across TikTok and X, with social media speculating on a workplace romance.
What was meant to be a fun crowd interaction during Coldplay’s concert at Gillette Stadium turned into a viral public scandal involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his company’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. A kiss cam segment led to a highly uncomfortable moment that’s now exploded online, sparking affair allegations and potential professional fallout.
Viral video from Coldplay concert sparks internet speculation of workplace affairReddit
Who is Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and why is he trending?
Andy Byron, CEO of the £1 billion (₹10,800 crore) software firm Astronomer, has found himself at the centre of an unexpected controversy after being captured in a close, seemingly affectionate moment with Kristin Cabot, his company’s top HR executive. The footage was aired live on Coldplay’s kiss cam during their Boston concert, where Byron and Cabot were seen together, arms wrapped around each other.
Andy Byron’s LinkedIn profile image LinkedIn
As soon as the camera caught them, both reacted in visible panic. Byron pulled away and tried to hide behind a barrier while Cabot covered her face. The awkwardness of the moment was made worse when frontman Chris Martin remarked from the stage, “Oh look at these two... either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” The crowd erupted in laughter, but online, the situation took a more serious tone.
How did the Coldplay kiss cam video go viral?
Within hours, the clip hit social media platforms like X and TikTok, where it racked up millions of views. Users were quick to speculate that the two executives were engaged in an extramarital affair. Comments ranged from mocking to furious, with many tagging Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, in sympathy posts.
— (@)
Some viral comments included:
“You wouldn’t act like that unless you had something to hide.”
“Imagine your affair being exposed by Chris Martin in front of 60,000 people.”
“Their reaction confirmed everything. They outed themselves.”
The video has since been dubbed by users as the “Coldplay Cheater Cam,” and has led to wider conversations around workplace relationships.
What do we know about Kristin Cabot?
Kristin Cabot, who joined Astronomer less than a year ago, describes her role as Chief People Officer as one focused on trust and employee engagement. Her own LinkedIn bio says she “wins trust with employees of all levels, from CEOs to managers to assistants”, a line many have now highlighted ironically in light of the scandal.
Though Cabot’s marital status hasn’t been officially confirmed, internet sleuths pointed out she appears to wear a wedding ring in her profile photos. Neither she nor Byron have made any public statements since the video surfaced.
Kristin CabotThe Sun
Will Astronomer respond to the alleged affair?
As of now, Astronomer has not released a formal response. The company, headquartered just a few hours from the concert venue, is known for its Astro platform, a data orchestration tool powered by Apache Airflow used by several Fortune 500 firms.
With two of its most senior executives now under intense public scrutiny, calls are growing online for the company to investigate the incident, especially given HR policies around internal relationships.
Coldplay has continued with its tour dates, but this Boston show may be remembered more for its unintended drama than its music. Meanwhile, Byron and Cabot have not been seen in public or online since the video’s release.
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News of Braman's death has prompted tributes from across the NFL community
Diagnosed with rare and aggressive cancer earlier in 2025
Part of the Philadelphia Eagles' historic 2018 Super Bowl-winning team
Remembered for his generosity and commitment on and off the field
Who was Bryan Braman?
Bryan Braman was a professional American football linebacker best known for his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons, beginning his career in 2011. Braman was renowned for his prowess on special teams and his resilience as a player.
Braman reached the pinnacle of his sporting career during the 2017 NFL season, when he helped the Eagles secure their first Super Bowl title since the 1960s. Although he joined the team late in the season, his contributions were recognised and valued during the Eagles' victorious playoff run.
What happened to Bryan Braman?
Braman was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer in February 2025. He underwent an intensive 12-week treatment programme in Seattle, Washington. His illness was publicly acknowledged through a GoFundMe campaign organised by his friend William Jones, which aimed to raise funds for medical expenses, housing, and essential supplies.
Despite an initial target of $25,000, the fundraiser received overwhelming support and raised over $89,000. Among those who donated was former teammate and fellow NFL star J.J. Watt, who contributed $10,000 and shared a public tribute, writing: "Rest in Peace brother. Gone far too soon."
How has the football world responded?
News of Braman's death has prompted tributes from across the NFL community. His agent, Sean Stellato, shared a deeply personal statement, describing Braman as selfless and generous. "He gave me his bed every time I came to Philadelphia. He would threaten me if I didn’t stay with him. That’s how unselfish he was," Stellato told NBC affiliate KPRC.
The Houston Texans, where Braman spent a significant portion of his career, posted on social media: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bryan Braman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Braman family during this difficult time."
What is his legacy?
Beyond his achievements on the field, Braman was admired for his character, loyalty, and kindness. He was known among peers as someone who always put others first. His passing leaves a gap not only in the football world but also among those whose lives he touched off the field.
Braman is survived by his two daughters, Blakely, aged 11, and Harlowe, aged 8.
Further details regarding his illness and funeral arrangements are expected to be shared by his family in due course.
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The gravesite is one of dozens unearthed across the country. (Photo: X)
THE skeletal remains of a girl aged between four and five have been identified among 65 sets of human remains exhumed from a mass grave in Sri Lanka’s Jaffna district. The site first came into focus during the LTTE conflict in the mid-1990s.
“The findings of the excavation at the Chemmani mass grave were reported to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court on on Tuesday (15) by Raj Somadeva, a forensic archaeologist overseeing the exhumation,” Jeganathan Tathparan, a lawyer, said on Thursday (17).
Earlier this year, the court ordered a legally supervised excavation at the site after human skeletal remains were uncovered during routine development work.
Tathparan said the child’s remains were found alongside school bags and toys. Somadeva informed the court that the remains were those of a girl aged between four and five, he added.
Two additional skeletons are also suspected to be those of children, based on similarities in clothing and anatomical features, the lawyer said.
The Chemmani site first attracted international attention in 1998, when a Sri Lankan soldier testified to the existence of mass graves containing hundreds of civilians allegedly killed during the conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan government in the mid-1990s.
An initial excavation in 1999 uncovered 15 skeletons, but no further action was taken until the recent findings.
The gravesite is one of dozens unearthed across the country. Thousands of people died or disappeared during the 26-year civil war, which ended in 2009.
The main Tamil political party, Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), in a letter to president Anura Kumara Dissanayake, described the Chemmani mass grave as clear evidence of war crimes and “a genocidal campaign against Tamils”.
The excavation work, which was halted last Thursday (10), is scheduled to resume on July 21.
Amnesty International estimates that between 60,000 and 100,000 people have disappeared in Sri Lanka since the late 1980s.
The Tamil community in Sri Lanka claims that nearly 170,000 people were killed in the final stages of the civil war, while United Nations estimates put the figure at around 40,000.
The LTTE was seeking a separate homeland for Tamils.