内容摘要：, a High Court judge would have to approve each request to end a life.

, a High Court judge would have to approve each request to end a life.

It comes after a 2024 warning to transport bosses that public confidence in services was at "an all-time low".Work has begun on 168 new bus shelters and 50 raised kerbs, while 444 new bus stop flags and signs will be erected to improve visibility and guidance.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "This investment is all about making bus stops safer, more accessible and more welcoming."She added: "We're installing new shelters, better signage and raised kerbs to make boarding easier for those with mobility needs – simple improvements that will help people feel more confident using buses."Last year saw timetable changes and some cost-cutting measures, yet passenger satisfaction in County Durham increased to 82% in 2024, up from 76% the year before, the

The total number of bus users also increased over the year after driver strikes sidelined services in late 2023.Ms McGuinness has pledged to bring the North East's bus network back under public control for the first time since the 1980s.

Her franchising plans would mean that the North East Combined Authority (NECA) would be able to set fare prices, routes and timetables.

However, there have been warnings that the move could take several years to complete.Judge Jesic called the brothers' work while in prison "remarkable", but noted that their 1996 sentences to life without parole were justified at the time.

He said that under the guidelines, they were eligible for resentencing, issuing his new sentence of 50 years to life. The brothers have been held in custody since 1990.As the judge continued reading, the brothers smiled and waved to their attorneys and family members who crowded into the courtroom. Family members embraced with smiles.

"Today is a great day," defence lawyer Mark Geragos told reporters outside court. He said they were "one huge step closer to bringing the boys home".Anamaria Baralt, the brothers' cousin who testified inside court earlier in the day, said their family was elated.