Death toll rises to 254 after powerful Colombia earthquake

Authorities have issued a flash flood warning for New York City, parts of New Jersey and western Long Island as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds swept across the region, raising the threat of widespread flooding and travel disruptions. Weather officials warned that intense downpours could quickly overwhelm drainage systems, flood roads and affect low-lying areas. The flash flood warning remained in effect through Monday morning, while a broader flood watch was issued for New York City and northern and central New Jersey until the evening. Forecasters also declared a First Alert Weather Day, citing an elevated risk of flash flooding and severe thunderstorms. Moist and humid air moving into the region is expected to produce rainfall rates of one to three inches per hour, with total rainfall forecast between one and three inches. Some isolated locations could receive even higher amounts, significantly increasing the risk of flooding. In response to the severe weather threat, New York City Emergency Management activated its Flash Flood Emergency Plan. City crews were deployed to clear storm drains and catch basins in flood-prone neighbourhoods, while emergency teams were placed on standby to respond to flooded streets, fallen trees and stranded motorists. Officials warned that severe thunderstorms could also generate damaging wind gusts, increasing the possibility of power outages and hazardous driving conditions throughout the day. Meanwhile, a High Surf Advisory was issued for beaches south of New York City and across Long Island, where waves were expected to reach between six and ten feet. Authorities also warned of a high risk of dangerous rip currents and urged residents and visitors to stay out of the water until conditions improve. Temperatures were expected to remain in the low 80s under mostly cloudy skies. Weather experts forecast that storm activity would gradually weaken by Monday night, bringing an improvement in conditions.

The University of Cambridge has announced a review of its procedures for appointing senior academics following the resignation of Professor Jason Arday amid allegations of plagiarism and questions surrounding parts of his academic record. Cambridge said an ongoing investigation into Arday’s qualifications, previous appointments and tenure would inform the wider review of how senior academic positions are filled. Arday, a professor of sociology of education and fellow of Jesus College, stepped down after allegations emerged concerning his academic work and claims made about his professional background. He has rejected accusations of deliberate plagiarism and denied fabricating his achievements. The controversy has prompted calls from academics for an independent investigation into how Arday was appointed to a senior position at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Priyamvada Gopal, a Cambridge professor who is among those calling for an independent inquiry, said the controversy had caused significant reputational damage to the university. She argued that Cambridge should not investigate itself and urged the involvement of academics from outside the institution. Cambridge said it was aware of the concerns surrounding the case and would continue examining the circumstances of Arday’s appointment and tenure. Jesus College welcomed the university’s decision to review its appointment procedures. The college said Arday’s position as a fellow depended on his university appointment and that it relied on Cambridge to verify academic credentials. The University of Glasgow, where Arday served as Professor of Sociology of Education from January 2022 to March 2023, has also launched its own review. The university said the review would establish the facts surrounding his appointment and identify lessons for the future. The controversy began after US researcher Nathan Cofnas raised allegations that sections of Arday’s PhD dissertation had been copied from earlier academic works. Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday his doctorate, said it had investigated the plagiarism allegations last year and rejected them. The university maintained that position and said his PhD remains valid. Further questions have since been raised about some of Arday’s academic publications and claims on his CV. Some institutions where he reportedly claimed to have held academic positions have denied that he occupied those roles. Arday has acknowledged errors in his academic work but denied intentionally plagiarising material. He has suggested that autism and inadequate supervision during the early stages of his academic career may have contributed to mistakes. He has also rejected allegations that he fabricated his personal achievements and has previously argued that some of the criticism directed at him was racially motivated. The controversy has also raised questions about how allegations against Arday were handled. Times Higher Education reporter Jack Grove was investigated by the Metropolitan Police following a complaint of harassment after he contacted Arday about the plagiarism allegations. The investigation was later closed. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley subsequently apologised and said the complaint should have been screened out at an earlier stage. Attention has also turned to Arday’s forthcoming memoir, “Great and Unfortunate Things”, which is scheduled for publication next week. Arday previously claimed in an interview that he had received a £1.4 million advance for the memoir, although he did not specify the currency. Publishing industry figures have questioned the size of the alleged payment. Publisher Simon & Schuster has said it intends to proceed with publication. Reports have also identified differences between an earlier proposal for the memoir and the final manuscript, including changes to the timing and description of some events in Arday’s life.

Two Cleveland Police officers have been killed in a devastating wrong-way crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, politicians and local communities. Police Constables Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38, died at about 3:39am BST on Saturday when a Volkswagen Passat travelling in the wrong direction collided with their police vehicle. Five people travelling in the Passat, reportedly aged between their late teens and early 20s, also died in the crash. Their identities have not yet been released. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation was triggered because the crash followed police contact with the vehicle. According to the IOPC, Cleveland Police had earlier spotted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began. Security footage from a property on Lime Road in Middlesbrough appears to show police vehicles following a car several minutes before the fatal collision. The pursuit is understood to have ended before the crash. The police vehicle carrying Blades and Clough was reportedly in the South Bank area when it was struck by the wrong-way vehicle. Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described the deaths as an “unimaginable loss” and said it was an extremely painful day for the force and the wider community. Fuller said she and Deputy Chief Constable visited the officers’ families to offer condolences and support as they faced the devastating loss. Tributes have also been paid by senior political figures and local representatives. Prime Minister and Home Secretary figures expressed their condolences, while local leaders praised the officers for their dedication to public safety. Redcar MP Anna Turley said the tragedy had caused deep sorrow across the community. She paid tribute to Blades and Clough, highlighting the courage shown by police officers who work around the clock to protect the public. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen also described the incident as a terrible tragedy and praised the emergency services who responded to the crash. Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville said the loss of the two officers had left the police family devastated, with colleagues struggling to put their grief into words. The A66, a major route through the Teesside area, remained closed as investigators examined the crash site. The road is surrounded by industrial areas and factories. The IOPC has urged people to avoid speculation while its investigation continues. Officials said the inquiry will examine the events leading up to the collision and the circumstances surrounding the police contact with the vehicle.