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In recent news, several stories have caught our attention. From a devastating wildfire in Cyprus to updates on car finance redress plans, we've got you covered.

Wildfire in Cyprus

A family from Wales has lost everything after their home burned down in a wildfire in Souni, Cyprus. Ben Armstrong, 38, and his wife Lucy, 37, were forced to leave their home and flee to safety. Speaking to BBC News, Ben recalled the moment they had to leave, saying "We just had to leave, and we didn't know what we were going to come back to." The family is now staying with their in-laws, trying to come to terms with their loss.

Deputy First Minister to Step Down

In Scotland, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced she will be stepping down as an MSP. Forbes, who represents the Highlands, cited a desire to spend more time with her family, saying in a letter to the First Minister that she did not want to "miss any more of the precious early years of family life." Her decision comes as a surprise, as she had previously shown no intention of leaving politics.

Social Security to Stop Sending Paper Checks

In the United States, the Social Security Administration has announced that it will soon stop sending paper checks to beneficiaries. The move is part of an effort to modernize federal benefits payments, with the goal of making it easier and more efficient for recipients to access their funds. The change is expected to affect around 530,000 recipients, or 0.8% of all Social Security beneficiaries.

Flood Survivors Still Waiting for Help

In Texas, one month has passed since devastating floods swept through the state, leaving many survivors struggling to come to terms with the trauma they have experienced. Despite efforts to clean up the devastation, many families are still waiting for financial help to rebuild their lives. Nine-year-old Cole Morris, who survived the floods with his family, has spoken out about the challenges they face, saying "We don't know what we're going to do."

Car Finance Redress Plan Faces Challenges

Finally, the car finance industry has raised concerns about a proposed redress plan aimed at compensating customers who were mis-sold car finance products. The plan, which is set to be consulted on by the Financial Conduct Authority in October, has been criticized for being "impractical" due to the lack of records from many firms and individuals dating back to 2007. The industry says it will be difficult to determine who is eligible for compensation and how much they should receive.

These stories highlight the importance of being prepared for unexpected events, whether it's a natural disaster or a change in government policy. They also underscore the need for effective communication and support systems in place to help those affected.