Friday, 30 October 2026

Graphika, a firm tracking online networks, has identified activity from Spamouflage, a long-running influence campaign linked to China, on the platform X. The accounts pose as U.S. voters and post divisive content about American politics, social issues and elections, including messages questioning election integrity and the legitimacy of U.S. democracy. Researchers say China aims to undermine confidence in elections rather than support particular candidates.

Nikita Kucherov, the reigning NHL MVP, has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning and informed the organisation he will not re-sign after this season. Kucherov has a modified no-trade clause and has provided a list of ten approved destinations. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said on Saturday that Kucherov is 'committed' to the team for this season, though he did not comment on his future beyond it.

Unbeaten favourite Hughes won the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Keeneland on Friday, establishing himself as an early Kentucky Derby favourite. The bay colt, trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert and ridden by Flavien Prat, took control through the far turn and pulled away for a 2 1/4-length victory over American History. Baffert said Hughes is 'a really superior 2-year-old', and the colt will have further tuneups before the Derby next May at Churchill Downs.

King Kenny voted to banish fellow Traitor Maya Jama in the BBC's Celebrity Traitors final, describing the decision as "so difficult" but a necessary "high risk, high reward move". Faithfuls Sebastian Croft and Romesh Ranganathan won the £83,000 prize pot, sharing £41,500 each between their chosen charities. Jama subsequently donated her potential winnings to Action for Children.

Nikita Kucherov, the reigning NHL MVP, has informed Tampa Bay Lightning he will not re-sign with the team and has asked for a trade. The 33-year-old Russian winger is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, when his eight-year contract signed in 2018 expires. Kucherov has won the Hart Trophy twice and helped the Lightning win two Stanley Cups.

Aston Villa announced on Friday it would take legal action against Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher following comments he made on the Stick to Football podcast. Carragher had suggested manager Unai Emery might be interested in the Manchester United job, and responded to criticism from Villa fans by telling them to shut up and stating 'Aston Villa will never be Manchester United'. He argued there was a hierarchy in football where bigger clubs poach managers and players from smaller ones. Villa chairman Nassef Sawiris issued a statement saying the club would 'not allow anyone to stop our ascension in English and European football'. Carragher apologised the following day, describing his language as 'clumsy and wrong' but saying his remarks were intended to be tongue in cheek.

The Miami Marlins exercised their $21 million option on starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara, keeping him under contract and preventing him from becoming a free agent. Michael King declined a $28 million player option to test free agency for the second consecutive offseason. Bo Bichette chose to remain with the New York Mets, where he signed a $126 million three-year deal in January.

Radical Numerics, a San Francisco AI lab, has announced that bacteriophages designed by its genome model were given to a sick person under a physician-led compassionate-use pathway authorised by the FDA. The lab has not disclosed further details about the outcome. If confirmed, this would be the first time an AI-designed organism has been used as medicine in a human.

Ellyse Perry, widely regarded as women's cricket's greatest player, says she intends to reach new levels in her 20th season. The 35-year-old Australian all-rounder, who was named ICC women's cricketer of the decade and three-time world player of the year, told reporters ahead of her Sydney Sixers' WBBL opening match that she aims to be 'a better version' of herself each day. She cited the creativity of younger players as motivation to keep improving.

Bill Belichick, 74, and Jordon Hudson, 25, have ended their relationship, reportedly splitting in late 2025, according to TMZ. The pair met on a flight in 2021 and went public in summer 2024. TMZ reports they remain close friends and committed to business partnerships, and Hudson has begun seeing other people. Staff at the University of North Carolina, where Belichick is head coach, were unaware of the breakup. Neither has publicly confirmed the split, despite Hudson continuing to appear at UNC games this season.

Michael Martin Creel, 27, has been found guilty of second-degree murder, two counts of aggravated DUI with a suspended licence and three counts of criminal damage of $10,000 or more. Creel struck a vehicle driven by 68-year-old John McLean near Broadway and Houghton on 15 November 2024 after running a stop sign. McLean was a candidate for the Arizona Senate District 17 seat.

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 5,000 people out of over 10,000 infected, according to government data. The Bundibugyo strain, which began in May, has spread to eight of the country's 26 provinces and is the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history. There is no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain.

The Gage County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of two bison from a ranch outside Beatrice, Nebraska in early September. The stolen animals are a male bison named Abby weighing around 800 pounds and a three-month-old female calf named Daisy weighing around 300 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gage County Crime Stoppers at 402-228-4343.

Paris Saint-Germain earned their sixth consecutive league win with a 5-1 victory over Le Havre on Friday. Right-back Achraf Hakimi scored a hat trick and added two assists, with PSG striking back after Josh Maja put Le Havre ahead in the 18th minute. Elsewhere in France, Elye Wahi scored a hat trick in Nice's 5-2 win over Rennes, and Olivier Giroud's late goal gave Lille a 1-0 victory over Lens.

Paris St Germain defeated bottom club Le Havre 5-1, with right-back Achraf Hakimi scoring his first career hat-trick and providing two assists. Le Havre took an 18th-minute lead through Josh Maja, but Hakimi set up Mika Godts to level before scoring twice himself. Senny Mayulu added a fourth goal. PSG's victory extended their winning run to nine consecutive matches in all competitions and six successive league wins. In the Bundesliga, Elversberg thrashed Mainz 4-1 to climb to fifth following their promotion.

A 31-year-old Portland woman has filed a $2.5 million lawsuit against PDX Nails, claiming she contracted genital herpes from a manicure. She alleges the nail technician did not wear gloves during the appointment. The salon previously settled a $1.75 million lawsuit in July 2025 brought by another customer who claimed she contracted the same virus in 2023.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Britain is open to issuing a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, ahead of a Commonwealth summit in the Caribbean next week. Writing in The Guardian, Burnham expressed his personal 'sorrow and regret' for the suffering caused and proposed a 'structured dialogue' with those affected. However, he firmly ruled out financial reparations, arguing that British people today cannot be held liable for historical wrongs. Caribbean nations have renewed calls for both an apology and reparations as King Charles tours the region, and Burnham's comments have already triggered fresh demands from regional leaders.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with reckless wounding after allegedly slashing another teenager with a knife as police broke up a large house party in Marsden Park, Sydney's north west, on Friday evening. An 18-year-old man sustained a laceration to his arm during the incident and was treated at hospital in a stable condition. The teenager was arrested with public assistance and also charged with drug possession; he was refused bail and will appear at children's court on Saturday.

Australia are chasing 288 for victory in Cape Town on Saturday with the series on the line. South Africa have warned of vicious spin conditions, but acknowledge Australia's left-handed majority—including openers Travis Head and Matt Renshaw—may be better equipped to handle the turning pitch. Simon Harmer, who took 4-104 in the first innings, looms as the main threat.

Selma Blair has broken her silence on an arrest following an alleged assault on a Delta flight on 11 October. The 54-year-old actress pleaded not guilty to assault charges over allegations that she kicked a nurse and a police officer after an incident involving flight crew. Blair posted an Instagram video saying she had not intended to hurt or frighten anyone and that she was 'so sorry' to those she had disappointed, hurt, frightened or alarmed. Her representatives said at the time that her alleged behaviour had been brought on by a severe medical emergency. Blair said her lawyers had advised her not to discuss the incident because a legal matter is ongoing. She is expected in court in January 2027. One outlet reports she allegedly attempted to open a door midflight.

Actor Margaret Qualley and Grammy-winning musician Jack Antonoff have filed for divorce in New York after separating in July following almost three years of marriage. The filing is listed as uncontested and mutually agreed. A source told People that 'they share a deep affinity and love for one another, and though their romantic partnership is ending, they will absolutely be lifelong friends'. Qualley's representatives denied earlier press reports of infidelity, stating there was 'no infidelity or anything outside of respect and partnership' in the relationship. Antonoff, 42, a 14-time Grammy winner who has worked with Taylor Swift and other artists, publicly acknowledged the separation at a Bleachers concert last month.

Morrisons has scrapped its pilot of AI-powered shopping trolleys after three months at its Riversway store in Preston. The trial ended after technology partner Instacart announced it was winding down its entire Caper Cart operation by June 2027. Morrisons said the trial was already nearing its planned conclusion and the decision would have no financial or operational consequences for the supermarket.

Doug and Jean Seabridge from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, died within 33 hours of each other, their family announced. The couple had been married for 53 years and were described as inseparable best friends. Doug died peacefully after a short illness on 10 October; Jean died fewer than two days later. Their family said they were 'together in life, together in eternity'.

Chinese carmaker Chery is considering basing some brand headquarters outside China, with London floated as a possible location for its Jaecoo brand. Chery International president Zhang Guibing told Australian media the company wants to establish brand headquarters in different countries as its overseas business grows. He did not announce a relocation timetable.

Hyundai is launching a limited-edition i30 Sedan N Monochrome in Australian showrooms in November with a price tag of $60,500 before on-road costs, $5000 higher than the standard i30 Sedan N Premium with sunroof. Only 200 examples will be available locally, with Australia among just a few markets receiving the model alongside Korea and Canada. The special edition features new black 19-inch forged alloy wheels, darkened trim elements, unpainted carbon-fibre mirror caps and rear spoiler, and an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel with black-finished buttons. The model is offered in two colours: no-cost Performance Blue or Abyss Black Pearl at an extra $595. The 206kW turbocharged engine remains unchanged, and buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic at the same price.

Poland's Constitutional Tribunal president Bogdan Swieczkowski and his deputy were suspended on Friday, triggering a constitutional crisis and clashes between riot police and protesters outside the court in Warsaw. The suspension was announced by judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, who took temporary leadership of the court. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the move was necessary to 'restore the rule of law' after years under the opposition Law and Justice party, which appointed both suspended judges. The court's official account accused the government of staging a 'coup d'etat'. President Karol Nawrocki, a Law and Justice ally, abandoned a trip to Senegal and returned to Warsaw, forcing his way into the court building shortly after midnight. The confrontation marks an escalation in a decade-long dispute over control of Poland's judiciary.

Teenager Terence Doherty scored twice late on to earn Derry City a 2-2 draw at Sligo Rovers in a League of Ireland match. Doherty's double salvaged the result for a much-changed Derry side, with attention now turning to the FAI Cup Final.

Actor Margaret Qualley and Grammy-winning producer Jack Antonoff have filed for divorce after three years of marriage. The case was filed on Friday in Kings County Supreme Court in New York as an uncontested matrimonial action, with Qualley listed as plaintiff. The couple began dating in 2021 and married in August 2023.

Russia vetoed a US-drafted resolution supporting Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara and ending the UN's peacekeeping mission there. The Security Council then defeated a Russian resolution to extend the mission's mandate for a year. The mission's mandate expires on Saturday unless revived.

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has indicated his next fight will be 'one of the last' of his career. The 35-year-old Russian wants to face the winner of the interim welterweight title bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, scheduled for 30 January at UFC 336. Makhachev successfully defended his title in August against Ian Machado Garry, extending his winning streak to 17 consecutive fights and breaking Anderson Silva's previous UFC record.

Apple announced that iOS 27.3 will bring some Apple Intelligence features to China, with a developer beta launching next week and a public release scheduled for December. The features will include Writing Tools, Genmoji, Clean Up, Notification Summaries, Priority Notifications, Live Translation with AirPods, and Visual Intelligence on iPhone 15 Pro and newer. Siri AI and Image Playground will not be available. Apple has partnered with Alibaba to integrate its Qwen chatbot within Siri, Writing Tools, and Visual Intelligence.

Leicester claimed maximum points to go top of the Premiership with a 22-16 win at Bristol. The Tigers scored four tries through Freddie Steward, Adam Radwan, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Jamie Blamire, with fly-half Billy Searle kicking one conversion. Bristol's sole try came from Louis Rees-Zammit early on, with James Williams adding three penalties and a conversion for a losing bonus point.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration has for the first time issued registrations to medical marijuana dispensaries, a step that could allow the businesses to claim tax deductions previously denied to them. The registrations, issued on Friday, cover more than 900 state-licensed dispensaries in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The move follows President Donald Trump's rescheduling of medical marijuana from Schedule I, reserved for drugs with no medical use, to Schedule III in April.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker addressed trade speculation while wearing a creepy clown mask during Friday media availability, an annual Halloween tradition. The eight-time Pro Bowler said he is focused on the present and playing against the Dallas Cowboys. Baker has been linked with potential trades ahead of the 10 November deadline as the Cardinals sit 2-5 and enter rebuild mode.

The Milwaukee Brewers celebrated their World Series victory at a parade on Friday. Right fielder Sal Frelick pledged to drink 100,000 beers at the rally. Hitting coach Daniel Vogelbach was persuaded to perform karaoke, singing 'Stacy's Mom' to thousands of fans.

Australia's pesticides authority ruled in June that paraquat could continue to be used with reduced application rates and stricter packaging, despite the chemical being banned in more than 70 countries. Paraquat has long been associated with Parkinson's disease. A Senate inquiry is underway and health campaigners continue to raise concerns about the decision's legitimacy.

The US State Department has approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles to Ukraine for $2.1 billion, to be funded entirely by Canada, Germany, Norway and the European Union. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the decision but warned that deliveries could take years, whilst Russia continues daily attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy called on American and European allies to provide missiles from their existing stockpiles immediately, with the new purchase replenishing those arsenals later. The approval comes after weeks of complaints that Ukraine's supplies were dwindling and follows recent tensions between Kyiv and Washington.

The death toll from Congo's Ebola outbreak has surpassed 5,000, with more than 10,000 people infected since the outbreak was declared in May. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus species, is the world's second-largest on record. Eight of Congo's 26 provinces have been affected, with many deaths occurring outside treatment centres. The virus has also spread to Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda.

Ryan Naderi's late goal gave Rangers a 1-0 win over Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on 31 October. Aberdeen restricted Rangers to one shot on target in the first half but Rangers dominated after the break. Naderi redirected a strike from James Penrice into the net in the 83rd minute, his eighth goal of the season. Rangers will face the winners of Sunday's semi-final between Hearts and Hibernian in the December 13 final. Manager Derek McInnes expressed satisfaction with the result but criticised his team's attacking statistics, labelling them 'embarrassing' after Rangers managed 25 shots with only five on target.

Australian pubgoers are increasingly ordering larger beers, with pints and jugs growing at twice the rate of smaller servings such as schooners. Research by Square covering thousands of bars, pubs and breweries across Australia from June 2024 to May 2025 found that larger servings enjoyed 10 per cent year-on-year growth compared with 5 per cent for measures under a pint. The shift, dubbed 'boozeflation', may reflect customers seeking better value by buying in bulk, according to Square head of account management Dmitriy Shurapey, who noted that Australians are not trading down on pub beers despite cutting back elsewhere.

The Miami Heat has enhanced the face of a Dwyane Wade statue outside Kaseya Center after it drew widespread mockery since its unveiling in October 2024. The original bronze statue's square face and large jaw bore little resemblance to the 13-time All-Star, prompting the team to make adjustments. Wade, 44, said the team 'listened and had honest conversations with everyone involved' before agreeing to improve the sculpture.

BYD's premium brand Denza has discounted 2025-built examples of its B5 plug-in hybrid SUV by more than $7000 to clear existing stock. The five-seat B5 is now priced at $74,990 drive-away, down from $82,138, with the higher-spec B5 Leopard at $79,990 drive-away. The offers apply only to selected 2025-build vehicles in certain colours.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger's office issued a rights-restoration certificate for Biscuit, a beagle-hound mix from Goochland County that died about five years ago. Republican lawmaker Tom Garrett is calling for an investigation into the vetting process. Biscuit's owner confirmed the letter was authentic but said the dog was never convicted of a felony. A Spanberger spokesperson denied the restoration, saying 'Of course we did not restore the rights of a dog.'

As New Zealand's election approaches on 7 November, the National party warns supporters against strategic voting that could cost ministers their seats. National's coalition partners ACT and NZ First, backed by anonymous wealthy supporters, are attempting to exploit an electoral loophole called an 'overhang' to expand their parliamentary power. Former Prime Minister John Key is fronting advertisements urging voters to give their party vote to National to avoid such outcomes.

Former Wallabies player Joe Roff says 17 members of his extended family across three generations carry the BRCA1 gene mutation, which increases susceptibility to certain cancers. Roff, who did not inherit the gene himself, is encouraging people to discuss their family medical history as part of a campaign launched in Canberra. After learning they carried the gene, one of his uncles was diagnosed with prostate cancer and one cousin with ovarian cancer; knowing their risk status allowed relatives to take preventative measures.

Keelan Molloy, a senior hurler for Dunloy, is open to joining Antrim's football squad after being approached multiple times by manager Mark Doran. Molloy said Doran 'has rang a few times now' and 'he's definitely trying', though no decision has been made yet. He would 'not mind having a go' at football, though his focus remains on Dunloy's hurling campaign.

Mary Peltola, Alaska's Democratic Senate nominee, has denied knowledge of an alleged scheme to recruit a candidate named Dan Sullivan to run against Republican incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan in an effort to confuse voters. The New York Times reported that Democratic Party aides pushed retiree Dan J. Sullivan Jr. to join the race. Peltola's former campaign manager, fired in August, said Peltola was 'definitely aware' of the plan, though not directly involved. Peltola denied this, saying she knew nothing about other candidates. President Trump called for her removal from the ballot and termed the alleged actions 'voter fraud at the highest level', though early voting has already begun. The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit seeking to block election certification if Peltola wins by a margin attributable to voter confusion.

Brazil's government summoned Argentina's representative after defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro fled to the United States via Argentina on Wednesday. The move marks the latest escalation in tense relations between the two South American nations. Argentine President Javier Milei backed Bolsonaro in Sunday's election, won by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and has not acknowledged the result.

Newcastle United under-21s beat Peterborough United 2-0 on Friday evening in a Premier League Cup match. Sixteen-year-old midfielder Jayden Kouossu scored his first goal at under-21s level with a header from a Johnny Emerson cross. Academy lead coach Robbie Stockdale praised the Milan-born midfielder's performance, saying he headed the goal 'like a seasoned pro' and challenged him to make goalscoring a regular feature of his development.

Polish police were deployed at the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw on Friday after the government moved against its senior judges. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek announced he had requested stripping the court's President Bogdan Święczkowski and Vice-President Bartłomiej Sochański of immunity to bring criminal charges against them. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the move was necessary to restore the rule of law after what he called years of lawlessness under the previous Law and Justice government. The court said those involved in the action were committing 'the crime of a coup d'etat'. PiS supporters gathered outside the court to protest; police said they detained three people after projectiles were thrown.

Swarms of harlequin ladybirds are flooding into homes across the UK, with some people reporting hundreds covering their walls, windows and doors. The non-native insects, which have gradually spread from the south-east of England into the Midlands, can carry a sexually transmitted fungal infection, though this cannot be passed to humans. Experts advise sealing windows and doors to prevent entry.

A 22-year-old man named Arnas MacKonis has died following a crash involving a white Mercedes Sprinter van on the A947 near King Edward in Aberdeenshire. The crash occurred around 5.30am on Monday, 26 October, and MacKonis was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with serious injuries before dying three days later on Thursday, 29 October. Police said their investigation remains ongoing and appealed for anyone with dash-cam footage or information to contact them.

Little Cleo Smith was abducted from a family tent in remote Western Australia and found safe 18 days later, a rescue that defied expectations according to crime experts. Her abductor, Terence Darrell Kelly, 41, was sentenced to 13 years and six months for the crime. Five years on, experts including criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro say Cleo was fortunate to have survived, though she may face psychological challenges ahead.

OpenAI, Google, Microsoft and Anthropic have committed to adopting a new standard that allows publishers to opt out of AI scraping through a single signal in their website's robots.txt file, rather than setting preferences separately with each company. The proposal, written by Anthropic technical lead Kevin Kelley for the Internet Engineering Task Force, will let sites block AI crawlers from gathering training data while still allowing search indexing. Anthropic has already started supporting the directive; Microsoft will do so from February 2027.

Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or with 1,055 points, beating Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe by just 28 points. The Bayern Munich striker became the first Englishman to win since Michael Owen in 2001, after scoring 73 goals in 65 matches last season and leading England to third place at the World Cup. Mbappe finished second with 1,027 points, his career best finish in the voting.

A federal judge in New York has ordered the Trump administration to pull three taxpayer-funded advertisements from television, social media and other platforms, ruling they appear designed for political or propaganda purposes rather than public benefit. The ads, titled '$5,000 to Americans', 'Every Democrat Voted Against No Tax on Tips' and 'Cost of Socialism', must be removed from official government websites including YouTube and Instagram, and from any third-party placements including those by Trump's super PAC MAGA Inc. The White House called the ruling 'lawless', defending the ads as public service announcements, but the judge found they differ from traditional public service announcements because they do not help Americans benefit from specific government programmes.

Lauren Bennett, best known for her vocals on LMFAO's 2011 hit Party Rock Anthem, died by suicide on May 29 aged 36, an inquest at Kent and Medway Coroners' Court has established. She had told her partner, actor Kenny Wormald, she was going for a walk at about 9am but failed to return. Wormald and Bennett's father, Richard, tracked her location and found her body in woodland near her home in Meopham, Kent. Assistant coroner Jyoti Gill heard that Bennett had experienced a serious mental health crisis in January and was detained in hospital for several days due to 'substantial psychological suffering'. She was receiving specialist mental health care at the time of her death and continued to report distress about prescribed medication, having met with mental health services just days before she died.

A G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta has ended two days of talks without agreement on several key global security issues. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged officials to work together to confront threats to the economic order. European ministers confronted Russia's Sergei Lavrov over the war in Ukraine and refused to join the traditional group photo, prompting the US to scrap it entirely. On the sidelines, Rubio signed an Arctic cooperation deal with Japan and South Korea and confirmed Washington's participation in Riyadh's World Expo in 2030.

Victoria faces a growing shortage of medical specialists, with projections showing a deficit of more than 2500 by 2033 that could almost double to 4750 by 2048, according to a June 2026 federal report. Regional residents and doctors say the gaps in specialist access deserve greater attention during the state election campaign. The shortage is illustrated by cases like Samantha Jade's mother, who lost access to an oncologist visiting Hamilton and had to rely on video consultations during her cancer treatment.

Early voting in South Carolina ended on 31 October with record turnout ahead of the 3 November midterm election. Charleston County saw more than 10,000 ballots cast in a single day on Friday, and over 89,000 people voted early in the county during the two-week period, surpassing the county's 2024 total by 20,000 ballots. Voters cited avoiding Tuesday's lines as a reason for voting early.

Health secretary Yvette Cooper has ditched plans to close Healthwatch England, meaning Healthwatch York will continue operating. The decision reverses proposals announced last year by then health secretary Wes Streeting, who argued there were 'way too many checkers and not enough doers' in the health system. York councillors and local campaigners celebrated the outcome.

King Charles III has approved Professor Laura Swift as the University of Oxford's Regius Professor of Greek at Christ Church College, a historic post established by Henry VIII in 1541. She succeeds Professor Gregory Hutchinson. Professor Swift, currently Professor of Greek at Oxford and Fellow and Tutor in Classics at Magdalen College, specialises in ancient Greek literature, particularly tragedy and lyric poetry.

Monkston roundabout in Milton Keynes will close from January to summer 2027 for a 'hamburger' redesign. The new layout will allow straight-ahead traffic to pass directly through the junction's centre, controlled by traffic signals. Milton Keynes City Council says the changes are needed to accommodate future traffic growth and reduce congestion.

England returned to winning ways with a 55-12 victory over the United States in the WXV Global Series in New Jersey, ending their tour after back-to-back losses to Canada. Wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald scored four tries, with England crossing nine times overall through Meg Jones, Mia Venner, Bryony Field, Maddie Feaunati and Sadia Kabeya. The USA scored two tries but could not sustain their challenge in the second half. The victory extended England's winning streak against the USA to 22 consecutive matches, with their last defeat to the Americans coming in the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Head coach John Mitchell made six changes to the side, and whilst the BBC reports the performance left doubts over England's position at the top of the women's game, captain Jones said the team had learned from the Canadian defeats ahead of their Women's Six Nations title defence in April.

Alaska's Senate race is under investigation after claims that Mary Peltola's Democratic campaign recruited Daniel J Sullivan, a candidate sharing a name with Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan, allegedly to confuse voters. The second Sullivan, a retired teacher with no prior political experience, announced his candidacy just before Alaska's filing deadline. Daniel J Sullivan has denied being a Democratic plant. The U.S. Attorney for Alaska called the allegations 'troubling' and said a criminal investigation is underway, though he declined to specify what crimes are being investigated. Peltola rejected the accusations. The FBI has contacted donors to Daniel J Sullivan's campaign in Petersburg, his small fishing town home.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents has unanimously chosen Dr. Tonjanita Johnson, 57, to serve as the system's 10th president, starting on or about January 1, 2027. Johnson currently serves as senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the University of Alabama System. She will oversee 13 campuses, more than 164,500 students, and about 41,000 faculty and staff.

Federal courts have rejected multiple attempts by the Trump administration to stop California from counting around 20,000 ballots allegedly sent to non-citizens before the midterm election on 3 November. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 on Friday that the administration failed to show that setting aside the ballots was warranted, warning that doing so could disenfranchise eligible voters and jeopardise the entire tabulation process. A separate federal judge also blocked the administration from threatening election workers with criminal prosecution if they process the disputed ballots. California officials say the administration's list of alleged non-citizens is highly unreliable and likely includes many citizens. The rulings represent the latest setbacks in the administration's broader effort to challenge California's voter rolls.

Kimi Antonelli, 20, is on the brink of becoming Formula One's youngest-ever world champion. The Italian driver, who races for Mercedes, is expected to secure the title at the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend if he finishes ninth or better. He would be the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has released her first public statement following the school shooting on 15 October that killed three students and a teacher. Schutz tackled the teenage gunman, Griffin J. John, throwing her cellphone and wrestling him for his shotgun during the attack. In a statement released on Friday through Bend-La Pine Schools, Schutz described the tragedy as 'horrific and heartbreaking' and said the events happened so fast that she wished there had been more time. Police Chief Mike Krantz credited Schutz with likely preventing further casualties through her actions.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday with several players unavailable. Receiver Ben Skowronek is questionable after missing two games with a calf injury, whilst defensive backs Brandin Echols and Doneiko Slaughter are ruled out with hamstring injuries. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is expected to play after a groin injury.

A driver died in hospital following a crash on the A127 near Southend on 7 October. A silver Volkswagen Caddy travelling towards Southend left the carriageway between the B186 and A128 junctions, entered a lay-by and collided with two stationary vehicles and a large goods vehicle. The driver was taken to hospital but later died from their injuries. Essex Police is appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage of the silver Volkswagen Caddy before or during the incident.

Actress Margaret Qualley, 32, and Jack Antonoff, 42, the frontman of Bleachers and 14-time Grammy winner, have filed for divorce after marrying in August 2023. They began dating in 2021. The couple jointly filed on Friday in New York Supreme Court and have also filed a settlement agreement. According to the New York Post, sources cited communication challenges and busy schedules as factors in the split, with no 'dramatic reason' for the separation.

A man's body has been found outside a building in Water Lane in Leeds city centre. West Yorkshire Police were called at 3.32am on Friday, 30 October. A police cordon was put in place at the scene and enquiries are ongoing.

Mark Dinsmore, a 50-year-old from Bushmills in Co Antrim, has been missing since a crash on Ballybogey Road in Ballymoney on Saturday 24 October. Police say there are 'serious concerns for his welfare' as he may have sustained injuries in the collision. Officers are appealing for information and asking the community to check outbuildings and derelict buildings.

Canada and the European Union have embraced 'associate membership' as a framework for closer ties following a two-day summit in Montreal. Prime Minister Mark Carney described it as 'the deepest possible partnership short of accession', with both sides given until June 2027 to determine the full scope and cost of the arrangement. Carney said Canada had 'learned we are overdependent on the US' and needed to diversify partnerships with like-minded countries.

Gayle Benson is acquiring The Windsor Court hotel in New Orleans, marking the first time in the hotel's history that it is under 100% local ownership. The Berger Company, led by Darryl and Ryan Berger, will retain a minority interest and remain involved in operations. The hotel opened in 1984 ahead of the World's Fair and has been a fixture of New Orleans hospitality for over four decades.

Tech advocacy groups are warning that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, combined with a lack of federal oversight for foreign nationals employed at AI firms such as OpenAI and Google, poses a national security threat. Amy Kremer, chair of Humans First, told Fox News Digital that AI technology has virtually no federal guardrails compared to other tech sectors and that sensitive information held by these companies could be exploited. The concerns come after an engineer at OpenAI, Saudi Arabian citizen Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, was arrested in early October for allegedly planting a recording device in a conference room at the company's San Francisco office.

Anthony Durkan, 35, has been jailed for four years at Snaresbrook Crown Court after pleading guilty to 26 voyeurism charges. He carried out a campaign of voyeurism over six years in Islington, targeting women in their homes during the early hours of the morning, dressed in black and wearing a balaclava. Police set up patrols after two women reported being filmed through their windows, and officers arrested Durkan on his first night of patrol in March. Officers found hundreds of images and videos on his phone.

Derbyshire teenager Frank Raven has reached the final of The Voice UK. First-look photographs show the High Peak contestant will be accompanied by members of McFly on guitar and vocals during the final.

Russell Brand's trial in London heard closing arguments from the prosecution. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones told the jury that six women, who do not know each other, have accused Brand of attacking them over ten years. She described a pattern of behaviour where Brand was initially charming before becoming aggressive, and alleged he ignored women saying no. Brand denies three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault.

M40 traffic has been held due to a crash. No further details about the incident, its location, severity or when normal traffic flow might resume are available from the outlets.

Whitby is hosting its Goth Weekend, with hundreds of visitors from across the UK gathering in the coastal town for the celebration. The streets are filled with people in gothic attire, including witches, vampires and other elaborately costumed characters. The event runs through Sunday and features live musical performances, exhibitions and other entertainment.

An Aldi supermarket at Horspath Driftway retail park in Oxford closed unexpectedly on 27 October. The chain cited 'operational reasons' for the temporary closure and said it hoped to reopen on 3 November. Aldi assured customers that its nearby store on Botley Road remains open. There was no police incident at the supermarket.

Comcast is permanently eliminating 634 jobs at its Philadelphia corporate campus, with additional cuts of 119 in New Jersey and 159 in Washington. The company said it is 'fundamentally redesigning' its organisation to become more agile and serve customers better. Affected employees receive two months' notice, with layoffs expected to begin 31 December, though some may stay until the end of 2027. Comcast plans to add over 1,100 new positions across its U.S. campuses and said it will attempt to place displaced workers in open roles.

A 13-year-old riding an e-scooter was seriously injured in a collision with a silver car on Branwell Avenue, Birstall, on Saturday, 24 October at around 1.40pm. The driver failed to stop or report the incident to police. West Yorkshire Police's Roads Policing Unit is investigating and appealing for information or footage.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney has claimed the UK is 'failing to keep Scotland secure' and that Scotland's coastline is 'left dangerously exposed' to potential Russian threats, arguing that nuclear weapons are 'obsolete' in modern warfare. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned these claims as 'irresponsible and unfounded', accusing Swinney of 'playing party politics with national defence and security'. Streeting cited the deployment of HMS Prince of Wales as evidence that Scotland is being defended, and said the SNP's opposition to nuclear weapons poses a risk to UK security.

Graham Gooch, a former murder detective who became a Lancashire county councillor, has died aged 76. He spent a decade solving major crimes in Lancashire before moving into politics.

Halloween weekend in North Florida, South Georgia and central Florida will be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s. Showers are possible but isolated, with coverage remaining light at 20 to 30 per cent. Most trick-or-treating should stay dry, though a few showers are possible toward the end of the evening, particularly in western areas.

Israel's final election results confirm Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have lost their parliamentary majority. Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats in Tuesday's election, whilst the main opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48, with Arab-led parties securing 19. Parties must now negotiate to form a government with at least 61 seats.

A great white shark swam dangerously close to David Slavich's fishing kayak off San Mateo County, Northern California, on Sunday. Helmet camera footage shows the shark passing within inches of the kayak, its dorsal fin breaking the surface. Slavich told Storyful News he felt 'more awe and fascination than fear' and that there was a moment when 'it seemed like we were looking directly at each other'. Scientists say most human-shark incidents result from exploratory bites as sharks investigate unusual objects like kayaks, rather than predatory attempts.

Pipo Nguyen-Duy, 64, a studio art and photography professor at Oberlin College, and his wife Tran Thi Nam Phong, 56, were found shot dead in their home near campus on Wednesday. Their child, Asia Nguyen-Duy, 31, has been arrested and held on a $3 million bond, facing charges of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence. The prosecutor says Asia confessed and led police to the address. No motive has been released.

A serious collision on the A169 Malton Road between Pickering and Malton in the area of Marishes has closed the road. Emergency services are at the scene. Amotherby, Great Habton and Marishes Low Road are gridlocked with diverted traffic. North Yorkshire Police asked motorists to find alternative routes.

Brooklyn Beckham has posted on Instagram Stories declaring he is 'obsessed' with his wife Nicola Peltz and calling her 'perfect', preempting criticism. This followed an earlier post where he shared a mirror selfie with Peltz and wrote a heartfelt tribute saying she means 'absolutely everything' to him. Some followers responded negatively to the tribute, with one suggesting he had 'Stockholm syndrome'. Beckham has previously defended Peltz against online comments about her appearance.

Nebraska football hosts Washington in a blackout game on Halloween, the first in Lincoln since 1998. Fans may wear costumes but are encouraged to wear black. Costume props including toy guns, swords and knives are prohibited. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.

Hearings took place Friday in federal court on two separate administration-backed projects in Washington DC: a reconfiguration of a historic public golf course near the National Mall and construction of a 250-foot monument arch. The cases reveal the breadth of President Donald Trump's attempts to reshape parts of the District. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes questioned government attorneys about how Trump's public announcements on the golf course project became official plans.

Jashaan Restaurant on Crwys Road in Cardiff has been named Best Restaurant of the Year in Cardiff at the 2026 National Curry Awards, held at the House of Lords in Westminster on 19 October. The award recognises the restaurant's food, service and standards. Owner Mustfa Rahman and head chef Abdul Hye accepted the award. Jashaan, which opened in 2019, serves traditional Indian cuisine and fusion dishes, holds a five-star food hygiene rating, and previously won a Best Hospitality award from the National Curry Awards in 2024.

Bradford Council has approved the sale of St Leonards Farm in Esholt, a former family attraction that welcomed 1.6 million visitors between 1995 and its closure in 2019. The farm was run by James and Denise Wainhouse and became known for offering children opportunities to learn about farming and meet animals. The decision was made by the council's Interim Strategic Director of Corporate Resources as part of its Asset Disposal Programme.

Two Lincolnshire fish and chip shops have been recognised among the best in the UK by the National Fish and Chip Awards. Catch 22 in Tattershall and Linfords Fish and Chips in Market Deeping have made the top 20 for the coveted Takeaway of the Year title. The awards celebrate fish and chip businesses based on product knowledge, sourcing, food hygiene and customer service.

Nearly one in three people cut mould off food before eating the rest, but this may not remove all toxins. A German survey found fewer than half of respondents knew that cooking does not destroy mycotoxins, which certain moulds produce and which can be invisible. Brian Labus, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, says the risk depends on the item: on firm fruits like apples, mould may stay near the surface and can be cut away, but on softer items it penetrates deeper.

Ian Thomas, 57, chief executive of the City of London Corporation, has been named the UK's most influential Black person in the 2027 Black Powerlist. He is the first Black person to lead the City of London's governing body in its more than 900-year history. The list, published by Powerful Media and released on Saturday following the Celebration of Black Excellence Awards at Grosvenor House in London, recognises the most powerful people of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK.

The government has recommended that households stockpile three days' worth of bottled water and tinned food to prepare for emergencies such as war, cyber attacks or extreme weather events. Prime minister Andy Burnham made the recommendation last week. Housing secretary Angela Rayner suggested including a bottle of wine in emergency supplies, prompting local residents to share their own stockpiling plans.

Two Tasmanian outlets are running a poll asking viewers to vote for their favourite jingle from a list of twenty that have appeared on Tasmanian television screens.

Gloster Street in Subiaco will host its annual Halloween event this Saturday, with thousands of visitors expected. Resident Amy Hegvold has organised a community effort to provide donated lollies to participating households, with donations growing from about 100 bags to more than 400 this year. Local businesses including Coles Local Shenton Park and The Good Grocer Shenton Park have contributed to ease the financial burden on residents who decorate their homes for the event.

The Government has announced a new parental allowance for self-employed adopters as part of its October Budget. Adoption Matters, a children's charity with bases in Warrington and Chester, has welcomed the measure, which will also support employed adopters not currently eligible for statutory parental payments. The Government estimates the allowance will benefit more than 150,000 parents annually.

A Tom Kitten Beatrix Potter 50p coin is listed on eBay for £21,086.70. Beatrix Potter gold proof coins are especially in demand among UK collectors, with dealers valuing them between £1,800 and £2,200. Experts caution that eBay asking prices may not reflect accurate market value, and recommend checking recently sold prices or obtaining professional appraisals.

Netflix drama Black Doves returns Thursday with Keira Knightley reprising her role as Helen, a Prime Minister's wife and covert operative. The second season raises the stakes as Helen's handler Mrs Reed, played by Sarah Lancashire, goes missing, leaving Helen in a precarious situation. Neve Campbell and Ambika Mod join the cast.

Oceans: The World Beneath the Waves opens to the public on Saturday at Scitech in Perth. The exhibition allows visitors to journey from the coastline to the deep sea, exploring coral reefs, kelp forests and polar oceans through interactive experiences including a submersible simulation and a 'reef DJ' area. After 12 months in Perth, the exhibition will tour science centres elsewhere and open in Exmouth from June.

A Kalgoorlie-Boulder man won $1.5 million in last Saturday's Lotto division one prize after his partner sent him a reminder text saying 'Honey, don't forget Lotto'. The man had been playing the same numbers for 27 years and almost missed entering the draw whilst helping a friend with work. He said some of his numbers were birthdays whilst others he had chosen randomly and kept playing for decades.

Police are appealing for information after a burglary and two attempted burglaries at homes in Ilkley in the early hours of Sunday 25 October. A burglary was reported at a property on Colbert Avenue at around 4.50am, whilst two attempted burglaries occurred at properties on Belmont Road at around 4.30am. Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously.

Laura Kuenssberg, the BBC's former political editor, recounts in her forthcoming book Pay Attention an uncomfortable encounter at a party conference where she met a government minister in his hotel room. She found him sprawled on a bed with his shirt unbuttoned and his partner present. When asked if they were inviting her to a threesome, she told The Times: 'Well, maybe they were and maybe they weren't... It was very uncomfortable.' The book also describes other inappropriate incidents with politicians, including another minister who invited her to the theatre and made unwanted advances, and encounters involving kisses on the head and creepy text messages about her appearance.

Lewis Hamilton claimed his first pole position for Ferrari at the Mexico City Grand Prix, edging George Russell by 0.009 seconds. Kimi Antonelli, who needs only a top-nine finish to clinch the drivers' title on Sunday, qualified fifth and will start fourth after a grid penalty for Max Verstappen. Antonelli can be prevented from winning only if Russell wins and he finishes outside the top nine, or if Hamilton wins and Antonelli scores no points. Hamilton, at 41, became the oldest pole-sitter in 44 years, saying the achievement felt 'great' after a challenging weekend.

Officers at HMP Lindholme have busted a sophisticated conspiracy to smuggle drugs into English prisons. Items including Pot Noodles, biscuit packets and tinned hot dogs were used to conceal contraband destined for prisons across the country.

President Trump met with Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan, at the White House on Friday, days after Hubbard's release from Russian prison. Hubbard had been imprisoned for over four years on accusations of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine, which he denied. Trump said he secured Hubbard's freedom following a phone call with Vladimir Putin, and that no prisoner swap occurred.

Robert Beckman, a 31-year-old from Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been jailed for one year and nine months after admitting to stalking a UK man for ten years. He was arrested at Gatwick Airport on 25 August after flying from Boston intending to meet the victim. Beckman had sent messages online and by post, and commented on social media posts, causing the victim to relocate and change his daily behaviours. He received a 10-year restraining order and a ban from entering the UK.

King Charles visited Independence Park in Georgetown, Guyana, where enslaved people were executed after British authorities crushed the 1823 Demerara Rebellion, one of the largest uprisings of the colonial era. Accompanied by Guyana's Culture Minister Steven Jacobs, the King reflected on a plaque commemorating those hanged on the site. The visit comes as Caribbean nations renew calls for Britain to apologise for slavery and provide reparations.

Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea has signed a deal to return to the university in 2027 for his final year of college eligibility. This season, Colandrea has led the Huskers to a 5-2 record, throwing for more than 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns with a 62 per cent completion rate, whilst also rushing for 334 yards and three touchdowns.

The A14 near Kentford, between junctions 38 and 39, was closed in both directions after a two-vehicle collision at around 1.20am. One person was taken to hospital with serious injuries. One lane of the westbound carriageway later reopened, with National Highways reporting ten minutes of delays on approach by 5.20am. Drivers were advised to find alternative routes.

Zoe Johnson-Walker, headteacher of The Winston Churchill School in Woking, Surrey, died suddenly on Thursday morning after a medical incident. Emergency services including paramedics and an air ambulance were called to the secondary school just before 08.30. Surrey County Council confirmed her death and paid tribute to her as 'a strong and dedicated leader' who had been 'a significant presence within the Surrey education community for many years'.

Richard Skilton, a 66-year-old Navy veteran from Gosport, was killed in a motorcycle crash on the M27 eastbound between junctions 11 and 12 on Friday, October 16. His family paid tribute to him as a devoted husband, loving father of five and proud grandfather of ten. He had completed a full career in the Royal Navy and was a passionate motorcycle enthusiast. Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses.

Huntingdon Home & Garden has opened The Potting Shed Studio in its restaurant area. The studio, which opened in late March, offers a range of pottery items to paint, from animals to plates and photo frames, with a £1 booking fee per person that is redeemable against purchases. The turnaround time for finished pieces is up to two weeks.

Mia, a 15-year-old tortoiseshell domestic short-hair, is being cared for by the RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch and is in urgent need of a loving forever home. Despite her age and health needs, staff say she remains affectionate, playful and full of life. Mia requires insulin injections twice a day, which she tolerates well when given with food, and the branch has pledged to support her future adopter by supplying medication at close to cost price.

A motoring expert has debunked the 'slow squeeze' fuel-saving method that has gained traction on TikTok and Instagram, with one post receiving almost 250,000 views. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said the technique, which involves gently squeezing the fuel pump trigger to reduce air bubbles and foam, will not deliver real savings because modern fuel pumps have systems preventing air or vapour from affecting fuel measurement. He warned it will only delay filling up and annoy other drivers.

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pontiff to vote in a United States general election, casting a ballot for the midterms by mail. The 71-year-old, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, voted from more than 7500 kilometres away by post in advance, the Vatican confirmed on Friday. It remains unclear for whom he voted.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes has opened a formal inquiry into whether Trump administration officials and Justice Department lawyers misled the court about plans to renovate East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC. The inquiry will examine whether government officials withheld information or made misleading assertions, and will be assisted by a special master to determine if ethics rules were breached. The case concerns President Trump's plans to close East Potomac Park, which includes the golf course, by 15 November for renovation.

Lyn Lyons, undergoing breast cancer treatment in Menston, has created Join the Huddle to provide free care packages to people facing the disease. The initiative offers tailored packages for different stages of treatment, distributed directly through NHS hospital teams. Her colleagues at Gusto Research in Leeds are supporting the project by completing a 1,000-mile fitness challenge during October, raising nearly £3,000 towards the effort.

Paul Davey, 57, of Scarborough, has been jailed for 29 weeks after pleading guilty to breaching a sexual risk order and harassment without violence. Police found 500 images of the boy on his phone and a printed image in his bedroom. Davey followed the boy for months, driving alongside him and filming him, despite the victim changing his routes, whilst under a court order preventing him from contacting anyone under 18.

Daniil Medvedev has qualified for the ATP Finals for the seventh time after beating Adrian Mannarino 6-2 6-3 in the Vienna Open quarter-final. The 30-year-old Russian, who missed last year's season finale, joins already-qualified players Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton. Medvedev has had a resurgent season with over 50 wins and four titles for the first time since 2023.

Some Devon homes could temporarily lose their piped water supply if drought conditions deteriorate, according to warnings from Devon County Council and South West Water. Residents and businesses are urged to reduce water use immediately. The council warns the impact would be particularly difficult for vulnerable people who depend on water for medical treatment or personal care.

London's FTSE 100 edged up 7.71 points to 10,729.78 on Friday, but US equities fell sharply as worries over artificial intelligence sector spending hit tech stocks hard. The FTSE 250 declined 0.9% and the AIM all-share fell 1.4%. European indices reflected the tech weakness: Frankfurt's DAX 40 dropped 0.9% whilst Paris's CAC 40 remained flat. Firms with data centre exposure suffered, including Siemens Energy and Infineon Technologies in Frankfurt, and Schneider Electric in Paris. In London, investment trust Polar Capital Technology fell 6.0%.

Two lanes have been closed on the M11 southbound near Harrow following a collision involving a lorry and two cars at junction 7. The crash is causing delays between junction 7a and the M25 at junction 6.

Gail's Bakery is set to open at Westgate Oxford in early December, taking over the unit formerly occupied by Le Pain Quotidien. Although Gail's branding indicated a summer 2026 opening, staff and the shopping centre's management have confirmed an earlier date, though the centre noted this is not confirmed in stone. The bakery will serve savoury and sweet treats, bread, pastries and coffee.

Prince William became the first royal to appear on The Graham Norton Show during an episode that aired on 23 October. During the programme's 'Red Chair' segment, Tasha, a carer from Ely, was flipped backwards after the future king pulled the lever to tip her chair because he did not find her story about a trip to New York entertaining enough. Graham Norton gave Ely a special mention when asked where she was from.

The Treasury has accepted it contributed to the death of Chloe Moffat, 26, who died on 20 May last year, the day after a meeting with managers about allegations she had shared sensitive confidential information, which she denied. A coroner's report found the Treasury's practice of 'informal fact-finding' meetings with employees accused of serious or gross misconduct had no basis in written policy and posed a risk of future death. The department has accepted the findings in full and introduced strengthened wellbeing safeguards, stopped informal fact-finding meetings pending a policy review, and will inform employees of possible outcomes before asking them to respond.

Glasgow City Council is pressing for greater regulatory powers to help protect the character of historic buildings from an increasing concentration of vape shops. The local authority is currently limited by national planning legislation: retailers can sell vapes from existing units without planning permission as it does not constitute a change of use. Councillor Ruairi Kelly said the council can only require permission when shopfront changes such as signage or exterior alterations are proposed.

Thames Valley Police has defended a 'No Trick or Treat' poster after GB News anchor Alex Armstrong criticised it on social media. The poster is designed for residents, particularly elderly or vulnerable people, who do not want trick-or-treaters at their door. Armstrong claimed the poster and associated guidance from police forces suggested Halloween could upset 'religious or cultural beliefs', but Thames Valley Police stated it had not made any such mention.

The Miami Heat has given Dwyane Wade's statue outside the Kaseya Center a makeover by replacing its head after two years of public ridicule. Wade, who spent most of his career with the Heat and won three NBA championships with the team, approved the changes. He acknowledged in an essay published Friday that he had heard the criticism about whether the statue actually resembled him and decided to listen to public opinion.

Thames Water has revealed the strangest discoveries found inside its sewers, which range from socks and snakes to an inflatable Teletubby.

Cuba has welcomed home a diplomat expelled by the United States after a heated confrontation at the United Nations. Richard Tur de la Concepción, first secretary of Cuba's UN mission, was expelled after an incident on Tuesday during a General Assembly session on the US embargo. US officials accused Tur of shoving an American diplomat and trying to snatch a phone being used to record the confrontation, which escalated into a shouting match between US Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez. Cuba said Tur was defending himself after his personal space was invaded.

Bin collections in Maldon have been delayed due to a closure of Fambridge Road between Cross Road and Lambourne Grove for zebra crossing installation by Essex County Council. The closure began on October 19 and is scheduled to remain until November 1. Refuse crews will complete outstanding collections on Tuesday, November 3, with bins to be placed out by 7am.

South Africa batted throughout the fourth day of their decisive Test against Australia in Cape Town, recovering from 40-4 to set the tourists a target of 288 for victory. Ryan Rickelton made 101 and Wiaan Mulder scored 115 in a final-wicket partnership that took South Africa to 387 in their second innings. According to CricViz analysis, South Africa have a 54 per cent chance of victory. If Australia chase the target successfully on day five, it would be the second-highest fourth-innings chase in 62 previous Tests at the ground.

Glasgow City Council will decide next week whether to award £600,000 to developer Ediston as part of efforts to restore the derelict Egyptian Halls, an A-listed building on Union Street designed by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson. The funding will support technical and professional work for the hotel conversion plan. The council has launched a compulsory purchase order to take control of the property and bring it back into use.

Preston North End were defeated 2-0 by Stoke City in the Championship after manager Graham Alexander changed formation from a back-three to a back-four for the first time. Alexander made two midfield changes for the match at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday.

Google's Project Suncatcher satellite, which launched earlier this month carrying four Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), is now online and communicating with Earth. Engineers tested the system by asking the onboard Gemma 4 AI model to write poetry about space, producing a haiku. The satellite will undergo further testing to evaluate how the chips perform under thermal stress and radiation exposure in orbit.

A new Cumbria Travel Pass has launched, offering unlimited travel across Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and Northern trains, Stagecoach buses, and Windermere Lake Cruises. Standard adult passes cost £40 for a single day or £99 for a three-day ticket, with children aged five to 15 travelling for half price and under-fives riding free. Pass-holders receive exclusive discounts on heritage railways including the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Coniston Launch, Keswick Launch on Derwentwater, and Ullswater 'Steamers'.

The Bears Paw pub on Main Street in Frodsham will shut temporarily from 2 November for a significant refurbishment backed by six-figure investment. It will reopen later in November in time for the Frodsham Christmas festival. The work will retain the pub's traditional character while introducing modern elements, with improvements to the interior, beer garden and barn (available for private hire).

Mark Greenbaum, a 30-year-old swimming coach, has been jailed for grooming a teenage girl and sending her naked pictures of himself. He initially contacted her on TikTok, then took her and her parents to dinner to build trust with the family. Chelmsford Crown Court heard he asked her inappropriate questions about her sexual experiences and requested intimate photos in return for sending his own naked images.

Oxford City Football Club held a CPR training session to support World Restart a Heart Day on October 16. The training, led by REACT: Emergency Response Training founder Darren Davies, covered cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillator use and emergency steps. Davies, who has been involved with the club since the 1980s as a youth player and later coach, suffered cardiac arrest at home in March 2024 after swimming and gym training; his wife performed CPR before paramedics arrived and gave three defibrillator shocks.

Eight Suffolk locations have been named among the UK's best places to live in Muddy Stilettos' latest national guide. The eight include Aldeburgh, described as a 'music-lover's paradise' though buyers need 'deep pockets'; Bury St Edmunds, a 'foodie paradise' with good schools; and Woodbridge, among others. Suffolk is characterised as an 'idyllic' county offering medieval market towns, villages, coastline and countryside.

Brazil's president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 81, has won re-election against far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro by more than 4.4 million votes. The Guardian reports that analysts and Lula himself point to his reinvention of social media use as key to his victory, including recording selfie-style videos after an unexpected first-round defeat. A WhatsApp group called 'Lula's Army' drove much of the digital shift, though Lula's campaign did not create or run it.

The Woodland Trust is urging people not to dump pumpkins in woodlands and green spaces after Halloween. Pumpkin flesh can be dangerous for hedgehogs, attracts rat colonies and damages woodland soils, plants and fungi, according to Paul Bunton, the charity's engagement and communication officer. The Woodland Trust suggests composting pumpkins, making soup, creating garden birdfeeders, or offering them to gardeners and allotment owners instead.

Elon Musk has warned that a Democratic sweep of the White House and Congress in 2028 could spell the 'end of democracy'. The billionaire, who is backing Republican campaigns, cited three concerns: Democratic moves to grant statehood to Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico; legalise immigrants living in the country illegally; and expand the Supreme Court. Musk argued these steps would secure Democratic electoral dominance and prevent meaningful electoral competition.

James Trafford, Leeds United's record £40m signing, is drawing praise from club legend Nigel Martyn and manager Daniel Farke. Trafford has a save percentage of 82.4% in the Premier League, higher than England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's 71.9%. England manager Thomas Tuchel has given Trafford two starts to assess him as a potential successor to Pickford.

Halloween shopping in the United States has become more expensive this year as candy and chocolate prices climb. Americans are expected to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween, up from $13.1 billion last year, though shoppers are conscious of costs. Candy prices were up 7.7% in September compared with a year earlier, driven by higher cocoa and sugar prices, with cocoa costs reaching over $10,700 per tonne in January 2025 due to climate-related supply disruptions.

Charles Wright, 52, killed his 82-year-old father Brian at their farm near Newark in November last year after a row over finances and the farm's future. Brian was reported missing on 20 November after failing to take his wife to a hospital appointment. Charles strangled his father and buried him in a shallow grave, then took his own life two days later. In a voice message to police, Charles said he had seen a 'flash of red' when his father criticised him and suggested replacing him on the farm.

Samuel Powell, 29, from Luton, has been jailed for three years and four months for causing serious injury by dangerous driving. On 18 August 2023, Powell struck a 25-year-old cyclist on the A41 in Watford as the cyclist was travelling to work. The cyclist, a firefighter, was left paralysed from below the belly button and now uses a wheelchair permanently. Powell's mobile phone was displaying TikTok videos at the time of the collision, and no phone holder was found in his vehicle. He initially denied the offence but was found guilty after a two-day trial at St Albans Crown Court in September. Following his release, Powell will be banned from driving for two years and required to take an extended re-test.

Brandon Mayer, 37, a flag football coach in Palm Beach County, Florida, has been charged with felony battery by strangulation following an incident on 20 October. A 16-year-old player allegedly attacked 15-year-old Sophia Lopez by pulling her to the ground by her hair during postgame handshakes. Mayer then allegedly placed Lopez in a chokehold for approximately 15 seconds. Mayer's 16-year-old daughter was also arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery for the initial attack. Both Mayer and his daughter were arrested on 28 October.

Kirsty Robins, 46, of Norwich, pleaded guilty to nine sexual offences including possessing indecent images and sending obscene communications. Norwich Magistrates' Court was told that 182 images were discovered on her phone during a police investigation launched in September 2025, with 81 classified as category A – the most serious involving penetration and children in pain and distress. Robins had also used online chat forums to discuss the sexual abuse of children between January 2024 and September 2025. She was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 24 months with a probation requirement and mental health treatment order, placed on the sex offenders' register for 10 years, and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Zara Tindall has her own jewellery range with designer Calleija featuring pink diamonds from Australia's Argyle mine. Traditional owners of the land say the mining process involved 'forever chemicals' that damaged the environment. The range includes designs priced up to £21,600, and Tindall wore the diamonds at a Buckingham Palace garden party in May 2025. She is the second public figure to face criticism over the stones, following singer Ellie Goulding.

Ilkley Civic Society has lodged a strong objection to plans for a new public toilet block in Ilkley's central car park, submitted by Ilkley Town Council to Bradford Council for planning approval. The society argues the proposals represent a 'missed opportunity' to improve a key gateway into the town centre. While accepting the current building should be demolished, the society says the replacement is too utilitarian and falls short of what such a prominent site in the Ilkley Conservation Area could achieve.

Sussex Police have confirmed that missing woman Angela has been found dead. An appeal to locate her was shared on 29 October. The force said it is 'saddened to confirm' the discovery and that her next of kin have been informed.

The Country Store in Broken Bow will hold an open house on 2 November to mark its 60th year of operation. The seasonal shop, located on the north side of Broken Bow's downtown square, features handcrafted items and baked goods from between 20 and 30 consignors across Nebraska and South Dakota. Stock includes woodworking, leather products, quilts, blankets, towels and scrubbers, with baked goods available on Thursdays and Fridays.

Prosecutors have dropped a felony charge of battery by strangulation against rapper Rick Ross, whose legal name is William Roberts II, citing insufficient evidence. The 50-year-old was arrested in Miami Beach after a woman he was living with reported he hit her. He still faces a misdemeanor battery domestic violence charge and has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

A partnership led by the Woodland Trust has applied to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for £643,746 to restore ancient woodlands across the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale. The two-year project would identify and survey woodlands in need of restoration, work with landowners and examine deer management options. North Yorkshire Council would receive £201,061 to employ two new staff members for its Nidderdale National Landscape team.

South Africa won the decisive third Test at Cape Town by 176 runs, clinching their three-match series 2-1 and displacing Australia from the top of the ICC Test rankings. Chasing 288 to win, Australia collapsed to 111, losing their top order cheaply as Kagiso Rabada took three wickets in the first half hour. Spinner Simon Harmer then took six for 16 on the deteriorating final-day pitch, claiming his first ten-wicket haul in Tests with match figures of 10-120. Pat Cummins, Australia's captain, said questions were fair to ask about his side after two consecutive heavy defeats.

E-bike jousting returned to London Fields in Hackney on Halloween for a rematch between artist Jack Carden and actor Camtholomew, drawing crowds in medieval attire. The pair had sparked social media attention with a first joust using Lime rental bikes earlier in October. Though Lime discouraged further such events citing safety concerns, a professional jouster said bike jousting is 'absolutely a legitimate form' of the medieval sport.

Arminghall Car Boot Sale on the outskirts of Norwich is holding its final event of the season this Sunday. The organisers said they wanted to 'finish the season with a bang' and thanked supporters throughout the year. The event regularly attracts up to 600 stalls and was named one of the UK's best car boot sales by the AA last year.

Adelaide 36ers coach Trevor Gleeson has complained about NBL refereeing after receiving his second technical foul in a month, this time for gesturing with his hands during the Sixers' 108-101 win over the New Zealand Breakers at Auckland on Friday night. Gleeson says he is being targeted because of his past reputation and that penalising arm movements removes passion from the game.

New Zealand Breakers coach Gordie Herbert has criticised his team's first-half display after they lost 108-101 to the Adelaide 36ers in an NBL match at Auckland's Spark Arena on Friday night, dropping to second-last on the ladder. Herbert, who has coached internationally for over three decades, said he had never seen such a poor opening two quarters, describing the Breakers' effort as 'absolutely pathetic' and 'ridiculous'. The team trailed 56-44 at half-time before rallying to dominate the third quarter and lead several times in the final term before running out of energy.

Victoria Sugden, played by Isabel Hodgins, made a surprise appearance in a video call during Emmerdale on 30 October, her first appearance since fleeing to Portugal after killing her half-brother John in self-defence earlier in the year. In the call, she told Robert she was happy in Portugal and would not return to the village, despite his urging her to help with a new family business. The scene was filmed secretly during Hodgins' maternity leave following the birth of her daughter in February.

Official data showed UK retail sales volumes fell by more than expected at 0.4% in September, with slow demand for autumn and winter clothing lines. Rising energy bills and economic concerns are weighing on consumer spending as the Christmas period approaches. Major retailers including Marks & Spencer, Next and Primark's parent firm are set to update investors next week on consumer sentiment.

A Senate inquiry on Friday examined proposed reforms to Australia's carbon credit scheme that would give the environment minister power to stop projects using flawed methods and strengthen enforcement and auditing. The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee chair warned the ministerial powers could undermine market confidence, but academics and environmental groups said the reforms do not go far enough to address scheme flaws, particularly revegetation projects showing little progress.

Erin Patterson, convicted of killing three people with poisoned mushrooms, has lost her appeal to the Victorian Court of Appeal. The court increased her sentence to life without parole, removing her original 33-year non-parole period entirely. Patterson has 28 days to decide whether to seek special leave to appeal to Australia's High Court, though legal experts say her chances of success are slim.

A 90-year-old woman has died and a 90-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries in a single-vehicle rollover crash near Marion, South Dakota on Thursday. The 2023 Buick Envision was travelling south on 447th Avenue when it left the roadway, drove into a field and rolled. Both occupants, who were from Marion, were wearing seat belts. The driver was taken to Sioux Falls Hospital. Names have not been released pending family notification.

The Eastover Clock, a gift to Bridgwater from British Cellophane Ltd in the early 1960s, is set to return after nearly 60 years in storage. The clock was removed from Broadway due to severe deterioration of its concrete column. Somerset Council and Bridgwater Town Council have secured external funding to repair the clock and reinstall it at a location yet to be decided.

Meta has settled a social media addiction lawsuit filed by an 18-year-old woman from Mississippi, identified as K.D.B., after jury selection began in Los Angeles. The plaintiff alleged that Instagram and Facebook were designed to be addictive, causing her depression, eating disorders and self-harm. Her co-plaintiff, a teenager identified as S.J., settled with Meta days earlier. Snapchat parent company Snap remains the only defendant in the case, which is expected to proceed to trial.

Reports of rats in Glasgow's living areas fell 26 per cent in September compared with the same month last year, from 237 to 176 reports, according to Councillor Laura Doherty. Reports in non-living areas fell 16 per cent from 714 to 600. Councillor Doherty attributed the decline to recent investment in pest control and cleansing services, including increased capacity and repeat visits. She cautioned that it is too early to conclude the underlying rat population has reduced, but called the latest data 'encouraging signs'.

Anthony Albanese will fly to the Caribbean on Saturday to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, where he will meet King Charles III and leaders including the UK Prime Minister and Canadian Prime Minister. The trip aims to reset the government's political agenda amid domestic pressures over inflation and an expected interest rate rise. International summits in Turkey, the Philippines, China and the US will follow in coming weeks.

Concord Connie is set to run in the $1 million Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, with trainer Charlotte Littlefield hopeful of a maiden Group 1 success. The four-year-old bay will be ridden by champion jockey Craig Williams and is listed at $5.50, third favourite behind Chris Waller-trained Lady Shenandoah at $2.40. Littlefield said track work rider Valentin Leboeuf reported the horse is in top condition and ready to perform well.

Two Australian outlets have suggested that watching horror films is a worthwhile rite of passage for children. Both recommend reviving the tradition of family horror movie nights this Halloween, arguing that while modern parenting advice cautions against exposing children to scary content, such experiences often become cherished memories in adulthood.

Christian Brueckner, prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's 2007 disappearance from Portugal, is no longer under 24/7 police surveillance after a German court rejected an appeal to maintain the monitoring. A fresh psychological assessment deemed him an average rather than high risk of reoffending. Brueckner, 49, was released from prison last September after serving seven years for rape. He will continue to wear an electronic ankle tag and remain subject to other restrictions. His lawyer says he is 'very happy' with the ruling and can now attempt to rebuild his life.

West Mercia Police are investigating non-recent sex offences at Forhill House in Alvechurch. A teenage boy was physically and sexually assaulted by male staff members between 1970 and 1985. Police are appealing for witnesses and others involved with the home to come forward.

The Cotswold Company is consulting staff over redundancies affecting its entire telesales department at its Norwich head office. The furniture retailer, which operates 20 UK stores and outlets, plans to handle telephone enquiries through showroom employees instead. The company declined to confirm how many roles are at risk.

Metro services between Wallsend and Tynemouth will remain closed until Thursday, 5 November for repairs to a Victorian bridge in North Shields. Damage to the bridge's structure was identified during planned inspections this week and requires immediate and substantial repairs that can only be carried out safely while trains are not running. The 900 replacement bus service will operate at 20-minute frequency during the extended closure.

North Carolina is investigating 31 gas stations after motorists reported that some businesses may not be passing along temporary state fuel tax savings to drivers. Attorney General Jeff Jackson said that receiving a letter does not mean a business has broken the law, but stations must promptly explain their prices. The state suspended its 41-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax from 10 October to 30 November, and retailers are legally required to pass the savings on to consumers.

A malicious Claude Code extension was available on Cursor's marketplace for roughly 11 hours on Thursday before being removed. The extension was downloaded by at most 5,000 users and contained a backdoor designed to give attackers access to victim devices. A flaw in the malware's code prevented it from fully establishing itself on most targets. Anthropic and Cursor said the extension was not developed by Anthropic but was published to Cursor's marketplace by a malicious actor.

Bethanie's @ Shakes on Stockton High Street, known for selling black ice cream at Halloween, has received a five-star food hygiene rating. Stockton Council's food safety officer rated the shop very good across all areas, including food handling, storage, cleanliness, facilities and pest control. Owner Bethanie Lofthouse said the team works hard to maintain high standards and thanked staff and customers for their support. The shop began selling the black ice cream, described as a 'healthier' Halloween treat, in 2022.

Jonathan Sams, 53, from Rainham, was killed after being hit by a red MAN HGV and other vehicles on the M2 on Tuesday 29 October. He was on foot in the carriageway between junctions 4 and the Medway Services slip road during resurfacing work. Kent Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Atikur Rahman, a 34-year-old delivery driver from Margate, Kent, was sentenced to 40 months at Canterbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to multiple fraud charges. Between July 2015 and May 2021, he used 26 identities of friends and family members to make more than 40 fraudulent benefit claims, stealing £172,000 in total. He also attempted to obtain £62,000 through 20 fraudulent registrations for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, though HM Revenue and Customs intervened before any money was paid. Rahman was uncovered in 2018 when one of his victims tried to claim benefits themselves, arousing suspicion.

A man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash on the southbound carriageway of the A34 near Abingdon on Friday afternoon. The incident involved a motorbike and a lorry. Thames Valley Police confirmed the death and said his next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by specially trained officers. The Oxford Mail has opened a book of condolence for people to leave tributes.

Sheffield indie rock band Pulp have been officially honoured with a walk of fame star plaque outside the town hall, unveiled by the band and the Lord Mayor of Sheffield. Singer Jarvis Cocker and other past and present members attended the ceremony, which took place almost half a century after the band started in 1978. Cocker said the band began informally at his mother's house on Friday evenings, and the group's 'noise became more palatable' over the years. The band joins Gordon Banks, Dame Jessica Ennis and Michael Palin in receiving the accolade.

Lauren Bennett, who featured on LMFAO's 2011 hit Party Rock Anthem and was a member of girl group G.R.L., died by suicide, Kent and Medway Coroner's Court determined. The 36-year-old was found dead in woodland near her home in Meopham, Kent on 29 May after telling her husband Kenny Wormald she was going for a walk. Her father and husband located her body using the Find My Phone feature. Assistant coroner Jyoti Gill found that Bennett had died by hanging and noted she had been in specialist mental health services at the time of her death, experiencing 'substantial psychological suffering' since being sectioned in January. She had reported distress about prescribed medication effects and met with mental health services days before her death.

Chelsea fear defender Maxence Lacroix faces a lengthy lay-off after suffering a serious hamstring injury during Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Liverpool. The France international could be out until January, missing approximately ten games. Manager Xabi Alonso said Lacroix would be unavailable before the international break and out 'a few weeks'. Metro reports the injury is a grade three hamstring tear, a severe type that typically takes eight to twelve weeks to heal.

City of York Council has approved 20mph speed limits on Millfield Lane and Low Poppleton Lane near Manor CE Academy in Acomb, following complaints about inconsiderate driving and parking that endangers pupils. The council said large volumes of pupils arriving and leaving in a short space of time overwhelm existing facilities, placing children at risk. The scheme, part of the council's Safer Route to School initiative, will focus on improving road layout outside the school frontage.

A Texas grand jury indicted ICE officer Mario Alberto Morales on Friday on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for striking Miguel Parra Hernandez, a 48-year-old construction worker, with a vehicle on 10 October. Morales, 33, allegedly drove an unmarked Jeep Cherokee into Parra Hernandez as he ran away during an immigration enforcement operation in Houston, causing multiple leg fractures and other injuries. Parra Hernandez, a Mexican national with no criminal record who has lived in Harris County for more than 30 years, was placed into custody with a broken leg. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said surveillance video shows the vehicle crossing a median and pursuing Parra Hernandez as he runs. Body camera footage released on Friday records Morales saying 'I was coming in and I hit him with the car'. ICE has disputed the account, claiming Parra Hernandez ran in front of the vehicle, and called the indictment a 'political stunt'.

England's Cerebral Palsy football team won the first World Cup in the sport, defeating the USA 2-1 in extra time in Atlanta. David Porcher from Chinnor scored the winning goal, with Harry Baker from Banbury playing a key role. The team held on for 15 minutes after Porcher's goal to secure the trophy.

Cornerback Audavion Collins has emerged as one of Penn State's best defenders after being ranked as the 753rd overall prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. Collins joined Penn State in 2023 from Mississippi State and has allowed just four completions in the team's first seven games, the lowest total among FBS cornerbacks who have played at least 150 coverage snaps. He leads the Lions in pass breakups with eight and has been named a team captain for Saturday's game against Purdue.

The Daily Mail reported discovering child sexual abuse material in a storage unit rented by Thomas Markle, 82, near his former home in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. The material included magazines and books about paedophilia, photographs of naked Asian women, and 35mm negatives showing images of children on a beach. The FBI has been alerted and Mexican authorities have launched an investigation. This follows allegations that Markle's son found similar material at Markle's home in the Philippines, which he has denied.

John Stephenson, a 50-year-old British strongman, pulled a 1.5-tonne Renault Megane using only the tip of his penis whilst dressed as Michael Myers. The stunt took place at Tockwith Multi-Drive Centre near York and was intended to raise awareness for the Mankind Initiative, which supports male domestic abuse victims. Stephenson described the challenge as his most painful yet, admitting it hurt significantly.

Patrick Stewart, famed for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, has died at his home in Los Angeles aged 86. James McAvoy, who played the younger version of Professor Charles Xavier opposite Stewart's older incarnation in X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014, paid tribute on Instagram, writing that Stewart was 'always lovely to me'. The Daily Record reports that Stewart died following a brief journey with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia, and is survived by his wife, Sunny.

Glasgow City Council has reached its maximum funding for a new pay and grading settlement, according to council leader Ricky Bell, with no further money available from the local authority or Scottish Government. Thousands of workers are voting on the scheme, which replaces a 2006 structure that discriminated against mainly women workers. Around 11% of staff face wage cuts, with some losing up to £11,500.

Two vehicles crashed on the A64 near Rillington in North Yorkshire on Friday afternoon (October 30), blocking the road both ways. Emergency services attended the scene at 3.30pm, with one person helped from a vehicle by paramedics and two others already outside. North Yorkshire Police hoped to clear the road within an hour subject to vehicle recovery. A separate serious collision on the A169 near Low Marishes between Pickering and Malton also caused closures, with difficult foggy conditions leading some motorists to drive through police road closure signs.

An ambulance worker is to stand trial accused of stealing medical equipment worth thousands of pounds. Daniel Carter, 22, denies four counts of theft of items including a defibrillator and patient monitoring device while employed with St Johns Ambulance Service or private ambulance service MED-PTS. He will stand trial at Norwich Crown Court in September 2027 and claims he was paying in instalments for the most expensive items.

Four Palestine Action activists who smashed windows and threw red paint over a Barclays branch in Burnley in August 2024 have been spared immediate jail time. Brendon O'Hagan, Amanda Kelly, Mohammed Malik and Hmeera Atiqnisar were each handed suspended sentences at Preston Crown Court, with Atiqnisar receiving two years suspended for 20 months and the others 20 months suspended for 20 months. All four must complete unpaid work. The attack caused over £212,000 of damage. The group said they were protesting the bank's financial links to defence companies and Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems. A fifth defendant, Alma Yaniv, 70, who drove the group away, will be sentenced separately in December.

Leeds United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. Goalkeeper James Trafford passed the ball directly to Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert from inside his own box on 31 minutes, allowing Evanilson to score. Amine Adli added a second in stoppage time. Leeds had created chances, including a Dominic Calvert-Lewin effort that was ruled out by VAR after the ball deflected off Bournemouth goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic's hand. Manager Daniel Farke defended Trafford after the match, saying the young goalkeeper remains top class and will save Leeds more points than he has cost them.

Police investigating a protest on Garvaghy Road in Portadown on 27 September have identified 60 suspects and built evidential packages against them. A team of 30 officers has reviewed over 70 hours of recorded material. Eighteen suspects have been interviewed so far and case files are being prepared for submission to the Public Prosecution Service.

Karl Lindsay, 56, former chief executive of non-league Taunton Town Football Club, has admitted administering substances to stupefy a woman for sexual purposes and two other serious sexual offences between January 2015 and October 2025. Lindsay resigned from his role last November. He has been remanded in custody. The woman's husband, from Stockport, previously admitted 62 offences against his wife over more than 20 years, including multiple counts of rape. Three other men have pleaded guilty to offences against the woman, and nine more men are due to go on trial from Monday at Manchester Crown Court.

Americans vote on 3 November in midterm elections that will determine control of the House of Representatives and Senate. Multiple outlets report that Republicans are bracing for significant losses, with Democrats holding a substantial lead in generic congressional polling and in most competitive Senate races. Senior Republican strategists told Politico they expect a difficult evening, with some discussing by how many seats they might lose rather than whether they will. Trump has placed himself at the centre of Republican campaigning, but his approval rating stands at between 30 and 38 per cent, historically low for a sitting president going into midterms. The Trump administration has attempted to interfere with voting in several states through efforts to target alleged noncitizen voting, but federal judges have blocked these attempts and warned they would disenfranchise lawful voters.

Drag performer Bianca Del Rio is coming to Birmingham for a show marking 30 years in the industry. The performance, titled It Gets Bitter, will celebrate her three decades in drag.

Bill Hill, an independent candidate and commercial fisher, is challenging Republican congressman Nick Begich for Alaska's House seat. Hill has positioned himself as a working-class candidate focused on affordability, citing personal experience with rising fuel costs. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report recently shifted the race from 'likely Republican' to 'leans Republican', and recent polls showed Hill trailing by single digits.

The Met Office has forecast a foggy start to the weekend, with mist expected to clear by late morning or early afternoon, giving way to sunny intervals. Temperatures will rise to around 12C during the day, with light winds and minimal chance of rain throughout.

Jaheim James, 20, of Oxford, has avoided immediate prison after assaulting another man in Banbury on 15 August. At Oxford Crown Court on 29 October, he pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent to do really serious harm. He was handed a 17-week prison sentence suspended for two years.

Scarborough nightclub Fusion has been allowed to extend its opening hours to sell alcohol until 2am, despite objections from neighbouring residents and council officers. The venue had originally sought permission to operate until 3am but councillors approved a more limited extension with additional conditions. Before operating beyond its current hours, Fusion must produce a Noise Management Plan and install a noise-limiting device.

Police constable Henry North will face a public misconduct hearing at Thames Valley Police headquarters in Kidlington from 9 November. He is accused of using 'unreasonable, unnecessary and disproportionate force' and 'rude, discourteous and unprofessional behaviour'. If proven, the allegations would amount to gross misconduct.

Amy Thakurdas, 68, of Kidlington, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on 30 October and pleaded not guilty to causing serious injuries by careless driving. Derek Hawkins was injured in the incident on Banbury Road, Kidlington, on 2 April last year. Thakurdas was driving a blue Honda Jazz at the time. A trial is scheduled for 24 January 2028, with an estimated duration of four to five days. She was released on unconditional bail.

More than 1,700 handmade poppies donated by local groups, businesses and residents have created a Remembrance display at Wellington Square in Stockton ahead of Remembrance Sunday on November 8. The Royal British Legion's Stockton and Yarm branch, Wellington Square and Stockton-on-Tees Community Wellbeing Champions organised the project, which began as a smaller idea but grew into a much larger community effort. The poppies remain on display at a pop-up unit in Wellington Square until Saturday, November 7, and will support the Royal British Legion's fundraising.

Richard Hammond has reflected on his recovery from a crash in a jet-powered dragster called Vampire at nearly 320mph whilst filming Top Gear at RAF Elvington in York in 2006. The presenter sustained serious head injuries but recovered and returned to the show in early 2007. Hammond said his return had to be approached with humour rather than solemnity, with co-presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May agreeing not to make a fuss about his injury.

A beach café and gift shop on Whitby's West Cliff Beach promenade are for sale at a reduced price after 15 years under current ownership. North Beach Café and The Little North Beach Seaside Treats, which operate seasonally from March to November, are listed on Rightbiz with a leasehold price of £95,000 and annual rent of £15,000.

A motorcyclist in his thirties from Grimsby died at the scene of a collision with a black Ford Focus car on the B1192 north of Tattershall Thorpe near Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on Thursday, 29 October at about 4.26pm. The rider was on a grey Kawasaki KLE650 motorbike. The driver of the Ford, a 62-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and has since been released under investigation. Lincolnshire Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to contact them.

The Miami Heat have replaced the head of a statue of Dwyane Wade outside their arena, two years after the original was unveiled to widespread criticism for bearing little resemblance to the Hall of Famer. Wade, who spent most of his career with the Heat and won three NBA championships with the team, consented to the change. In an essay on Friday, Wade wrote that he asked himself whether people could feel a connection with the statue if the face did not look like him, and said the team listened to feedback and agreed to make adjustments.

President Donald Trump called Norway a 'shithouse country' at a political rally in Michigan on Sunday. Norway's state-run tourism agency, Visit Norway, responded with a viral campaign promoting 'some of the world's most beautiful and spectacular toilets' across the Norwegian landscape, marketing it as 'Norway makes shithouses great again'.

Lincolnshire Police have issued a dispersal order for Boston ahead of Boston United's home match against Scunthorpe United on Saturday. The order runs from 10am to 10pm and covers Jakemans Stadium and most of the town, and was authorised following concerns that some people may be planning to cause disruption.

The Arrogant BBQ, which opened its first restaurant in Bridewell Alley last December, is moving to a larger venue at the former Bun X-Press site on Magdalen Street in Norwich, with opening planned for 14 November. Co-owners Dom Gregory and Jimmy Tully said the new restaurant will be 'bigger, better, louder' and will have a full alcohol licence. The business is taking bookings for November and December, expecting high demand over the festive season.

A woman was assaulted at Trilogy nightclub in Colchester High Street at 1.40am on Saturday, August 22. Essex Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident and are appealing for information.

Westmorland and Furness Council is proposing to cut admission numbers at four Furness schools for the 2028-29 academic year, with consultation responses due by December 3. John Ruskin School in Coniston would see places rise from 48 to 52, while North Lakes School in Penrith would fall from 57 to 30. The council cited an oversupply of places and falling reception admissions, which are down by at least 10 per cent.

A giant pumpkin has become the centrepiece of a charity fundraiser at the Coach and Horses pub in Sutton Scotney, Hampshire. The enormous gourd, grown by Simon Scott and named Cinderella by his granddaughter Phoebe, required six adults to carry it into the pub. Locals are taking part in a 'guess the weight' competition to raise funds for Naomi and Jack's, a charity supporting seriously ill children and young adults, and have already raised more than £200.

Tickets went on sale on 30 October for Olly Murs to headline the final night of Lazydays Festival at Priory Park in Southend on 25 July 2027. The Witham-born singer last performed in Southend at Cliffs Pavilion in 2011. His appearance forms part of a weekend featuring Dizzee Rascal and Kaiser Chiefs.

Artist Jack Carden and actor Camtholomew the First have gained approval for jousting on Lime bikes from Andy Deane, captain of the Royal Armouries jousting team in Leeds, who called it a 'legitimate' form of the sport. The pair staged a first duel in London Fields earlier this month, watched by hundreds of spectators, wearing full armour and chain mail as they rode towards each other with striped jousting poles. A second duel is scheduled for Saturday at a location yet to be announced. Lime said 'safety must always come first' and discouraged riders from attempting similar events.

Police attended West View Road in the Headland area of Hartlepool around 4.30pm on Wednesday, October 28, after a white Peugeot van with ladders repeatedly rammed into a white BMW. Detectives believe a number of people were present at the scene near the roundabout by Old Cemetery Road.

Karl Lindsay, 56, the former chief executive of Taunton Town Football Club, admitted offences on 30 October at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court linked to the rape of a woman who was drugged by her husband. Lindsay admitted offences between January 2015 and October 2025 involving rape and administering substances to stupefy the woman for sexual acts. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the conclusion of the trial. Two other men, Graham Brougham and Sean Peers, have also admitted related offences, while the woman's husband pleaded guilty last month to multiple sexual offences and remains in custody.

Hamerton Zoo Park, located near Sawtry between Huntingdonshire and Peterborough, has grown from a private collection that opened to the public in June 1990 into a major attraction. The park now features numerous rare and unusual animals including marmosets, lemurs, flamingos, sloths, reptiles and rodents, alongside a newly built Treetop Adventure Play area with an obstacle course, zipwire, slides and climbing puzzle for visitors of all ages.

A man from the Shaftesbury area has been charged with burglary following a break-in at a commercial property in Sturminster Newton on Monday, October 26. CCTV footage provided by the Town Council and forensic evidence secured by officers led to his arrest and that of a woman from the same area the following morning. The woman received no further action.

The government has rejected a cross-party request to bring forward Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's first mayoral election from May 2028 to May 2027. The election was originally scheduled for May 2026 but was postponed for two years while plans for reorganising Hampshire's councils were considered. Those reorganisation plans were subsequently put on hold. Conservative mayoral candidate Donna Jones, who is Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner, accused the Labour government of treating the region as 'second-class citizens' and of prioritising the north of England. She warned the delay would cost the region investment opportunities and strong regional leadership.

Declan Stoddart, 23, from Edinburgh, has been jailed for 160 days after sending sexual images and messages to a vulnerable schoolgirl on TikTok and WhatsApp. The messages included explicit propositions. The girl's mother discovered the content and contacted police. Stoddart was placed on the sex offenders register for seven years and given a ten-year sexual harm prevention order. The sentence runs consecutively to a 24-month prison term imposed earlier this year for sending obscene animal footage and penis images to two boys, aged 11 and 12, whom he had groomed through Xbox.

Gospel legend Kirk Franklin has released his 14th studio album, 'I Am What I Am', a double album featuring both contemporary songs and live-recorded traditional selections. The 56-year-old, 20-time Grammy winner collaborated with mainstream artists including GloRilla, Davido and Jelly Roll, alongside gospel artist Karen Clark Sheard. Franklin said he is no longer apologetic for his musical decisions, including praying with R&B stars Chris Brown and Usher before a recent concert, which drew social media criticism.

Patrick Stewart, who became famous as the captain of the Starship Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation, died on Wednesday in Los Angeles, aged 86. Before his Hollywood success, Stewart spent fifteen years with the Royal Shakespeare Company and continued to perform in theatre throughout his career, appearing in plays by Edward Albee, Arthur Miller, Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter. His friend Ian McKellen called him 'the most respected and beloved actor of his generation'. London's West End theatres plan to dim their lights on Tuesday evening in his memory.

Four men are on trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of sexually abusing Joanne Young, whose former husband Philip Young, a 50-year-old ex-Tory councillor, has pleaded guilty to drugging and abusing her over a 13-year period at their home in Swindon, Wiltshire. The prosecution alleges Young advertised his wife online and arranged for other men to abuse her while she was drugged, restrained and blindfolded. The men on trial claim they believed they were responding to adverts from a consenting couple exploring a 'kink', and say they were unaware the woman had been drugged.

A pair have been reconvicted after a retrial at Leeds Crown Court following an appeal against their original convictions. The stabbing killed a Good Samaritan.

Authorities in Essex have seized more than 460,000 illicit cigarettes, approximately 238kg of hand-rolling tobacco and more than 9,000 illegal vapes in a crackdown on businesses suspected of links to organised crime. The seizures form part of Operation Machinize, a National Crime Agency-coordinated project targeting money laundering and the criminal use of cash-intensive high-street businesses. Essex Trading Standards is working with Essex Police, Immigration Enforcement and HM Revenue & Customs, also tackling offences including illegal working and labour exploitation.

Amar Richardson has been found guilty of second-degree murder, use or presentment of a firearm, and being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm in connection with the March 2025 shooting death of 33-year-old Rahmel Lundy in Huntington, West Virginia. The trial lasted four days, with jury deliberations beginning Thursday and concluding Friday. Richardson is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, 4 January at 9 a.m.

Wesham Rehabilitation Unit, a 26-bed mental health rehabilitation facility in South Cumbria run by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, has retained a 'good' rating from the Care Quality Commission following an unannounced inspection in June. The CQC highlighted the positive ward environment, patient involvement in meaningful activities, and strong engagement with families and carers. Patients told inspectors they felt safe and supported, while carers reported feeling included in the care process.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled that Russia must be allowed to return to ice hockey world championships, overturning an exclusion in place since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. CAS cited insufficient evidence for the International Ice Hockey Federation's security concerns. The ruling creates uncertainty for next year's men's world championship in Germany, where both Russia and Ukraine have qualified.

The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream will contest the first WNBA Finals Game 7 in league history on Saturday night in San Francisco after the Dream won Game 6 by 80-69 on Thursday. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase expressed concern about her team's poor defensive start, which allowed Atlanta to make 73.3 per cent of their shots in the first quarter and build a 32-15 lead. Valkyries guard Veronica Burton said there needs to be 'a sense of urgency' from the start.

A £1 million National Lottery ticket purchased in Fenland District, Cambridgeshire, for the draw on Saturday, October 17, remains unclaimed. The winning ticket matched five main numbers (4, 9, 15, 32, 38, 42) plus the Bonus Ball (2) in Round 2. The winner has until midnight on April 15, 2027, to claim the prize.

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan and actor Sebastian Croft have won the 2026 series of BBC Celebrity Traitors. Ranganathan, from Crawley, said he feels 'a little bit of embarrassment' at the win, whilst the pair expressed relief at no longer keeping their victory secret.

Celebrities have shared a range of Halloween costumes this year, from elaborate couple's outfits to pop culture references. Paris Hilton dressed as Disney's Belle alongside her family, but faced online accusations of overshadowing her children. Lily Allen created a costume mocking Ticketmaster's seating system, while Kim Kardashian recreated her daughter North West's style and Lisa Rinna paid tribute to Kylie Jenner's viral orange dress. Heidi Klum, known for her annual elaborate costumes, dressed as Medusa with full green prosthetics and moving snakes at her 2025 Halloween party.

Joe Radinovich, a former Minnesota state representative and Democratic operative, has publicly stated that allegations Representative Ilhan Omar married her brother are 'almost certainly true', breaking with his party's defence of the congresswoman. Radinovich also warned that questions about her finances remain unanswered. Federal investigators are examining Omar's immigration history and finances. The allegation has long dogged Omar, who has repeatedly denied it.

Essex Police has warned residents of scams using fake texts and emails about Winter Fuel Payments to steal personal and banking details. Fraudsters send convincing messages directing people to fake websites where they are asked to provide bank details and other sensitive information. Police have advised residents to be cautious of unexpected messages about payments or benefits, never to click links from unknown senders, and not to provide personal or banking information via text or email.

Plans by Padel X to build two floodlit padel tennis courts at the North Yorkshire Water Park near Scarborough have been rejected. Planners concluded that padel tennis does not require a countryside location and could be accommodated in built-up areas instead. The development would also encourage car-dependent travel, conflicting with sustainability policies.

YouTuber JaackMaate, who has 1.3 million followers, has been removed from switching on Norwich's Christmas lights after Norwich City Council found issues with his previous online content. The council apologised for failing to spot the problems before announcing his selection. A replacement has yet to be found three weeks before the scheduled switch-on on 19 November.

Jet2 flight LS1750 from Samos to Manchester was diverted to Split Airport on Friday 30 October due to a technical issue. The Boeing 737-800 had departed Samos at 1.38pm and was scheduled to arrive in Manchester at 3.30pm. The aircraft landed safely and Jet2 arranged a replacement plane to bring passengers home, apologising for the disruption.

All train lines are blocked at March due to trespassers on the tracks, according to Greater Anglia. The rail operator is managing the incident as it unfolds.

A Jet2 flight travelling from Samos to Manchester was diverted to Split Airport in Croatia on Friday, 30 October after declaring an emergency. The Boeing 737-800 had departed Samos at 11.48 am UTC and was due to arrive at Manchester at 3.30 pm UTC. The nature of the emergency has not been confirmed.

A 15-year-old boy from Ghana was fatally shot in the Bronx on Thursday morning while on his way to school. Surveillance video showed Javits Frimpong running through his Claremont neighbourhood before he was shot in the stomach at around 9:25am. His father says he had been bullied at school, with the principal calling two days before the shooting to report that two boys had been suspended for harassing him.

Pret A Manger will open its second Norwich branch at Riverside Retail Park on 5 November. The new shop, near Carrow Road, has been built by extending an existing kiosk at Morrison's petrol station. The development will include additional electric vehicle charging points. MFG, which operates the site and runs more than 1,000 locations across the country, is removing the recycling bin area and jet washes to create more space to 'meet consumer demand'. The shop will be the fourth coffee outlet at the retail park, joining Starbucks, Greggs and Costa.

Sir Tom Jones has postponed several concerts during the North American leg of his Come Gather Round tour after falling ill with what he described as a 'bad case of the flu'. Shows in Los Angeles and San Diego were postponed earlier this week on doctors' advice, with another performance at the Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland, California rescheduled from 30 October to 6 November. The Welsh singer said he had completed 20 shows before falling ill and was 'truly sorry' for the disruption.

All-rounder Saif Zaib has signed a multi-year deal with Hampshire following his departure from Northamptonshire. The 28-year-old made over 200 appearances for Northants, scoring more than 7,300 runs and taking 98 wickets across all formats, including helping them win the T20 Blast this summer. Zaib said he is excited to start a new chapter and wants to help Hampshire return to Division One after their relegation last season.

Whitby Swing Bridge in North Yorkshire will close to all traffic except buses from the early hours of Friday 30 October to the early hours of Monday 2 November for the biannual Whitby Goth Weekend festival. North Yorkshire Council will install temporary barriers in Church Street and at either end of Baxtergate. Pedestrian access will remain open throughout the closure, and all other roads will stay accessible.

The New York City Marathon celebrates 50 years since it first ran through all five boroughs in 1976. The race has grown dramatically, from 2,000 competitors then to about 60,000 expected on Sunday, with women making up nearly half the field compared to only 88 in the first five-borough edition. Runners from more than 140 countries will compete, including defending champion Benson Kipruto of Kenya.

A meteorite discovered in the Sahara Desert in Mali in 2022 has been identified as a 4.1-billion-year-old piece of Mars, making it one of only three genuinely ancient Martian meteorites known to exist on Earth. Named Teghaza 001 after the salt plain where it was found, the nearly two-pound rock provides rare insight into Mars' ancient crust and early formation. NASA scientists determined its age and Martian origin by analysing its chemical and mineral composition, including unique zircon crystals that match samples observed by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Two motorcyclists died in separate crashes in Oxfordshire on Friday. A man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene of a collision involving a motorcycle and an articulated lorry on the A34 near Abingdon. The southbound carriageway was closed at about 7.40am. In a separate incident on the A4095 near Woodstock at around 12.59pm, a black BMW S 1000 RR motorcycle crashed into a tree, killing the rider. Thames Valley Police have appealed for witnesses to the second crash, particularly the driver of a white transit van who may have witnessed the collision.

An 18-year-old man was stabbed multiple times at a Halloween party in a community centre in James Close, Plaistow, Newham, on 28 October at around 7.45pm. Between eight and ten masked men entered the party before attacking the teenager in the torso and arms. The victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, which are now reported to be stable but potentially life-changing. Police are treating the incident as attempted murder. Detective Inspector Sam Lockstone, leading the investigation, appealed for witnesses, particularly young people who attended the party.

Dr Gabriela Corina Pacurar was suspended following a General Medical Council performance assessment in June 2025, which identified repeated serious departures from professional standards. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal found her fitness to practise impaired due to deficient professional performance in three areas: maintaining professional performance, assessing patients' conditions, and clinical management. Dr Pacurar, who qualified as a doctor in Romania in 1992 and joined the UK register in 2019 through the International GP Recruitment programme, worked at Harbourside Medical Practice in North Somerset and in various roles across Wiltshire, Gloucester and Cheltenham.

NASA Universe has released a collection of Halloween-themed space images ahead of October 31, featuring cosmic objects that resemble spooky sights. The images include eye-like formations, skull shapes in the Perseus Cluster, the Sun appearing like a Halloween pumpkin with swirling plasma, and what appears to be a face on Mars. NASA noted that although these objects are millions of light-years away, 'they can still send shivers down our spines when we find them staring back at us'.

Bradley Nelson, nine, from Whitby died in Scarborough Hospital on 22 October 2024, eight years after his father assaulted him when he was seven months old. The attack left Bradley severely disabled, blind and unable to walk. An inquest heard that his cause of death was pneumonia followed by traumatic head injuries. His father, Darren Spreadbury, was jailed for four years in 2018 after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and received a 10-year restraining order.

A man in his 20s died following an incident in Harlow on Abercrombie Way on Friday, 30 October. Police and paramedics were called at around 6.45am. Essex Police said the death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious.

A British Army Ajax armoured fighting vehicle travelled through Worcester on a transporter lorry on the A4440 Swinesherd Way this afternoon, with an escort vehicle. A witness reported seeing it leave the M5 junction 7 roundabout and travel towards County Hall. The Ajax is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition.

Richard Hammond, the former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter, has spoken about his 'brave new life' following his divorce from Mindy after 23 years of marriage. He bought a £2 million Georgian mansion near Abergavenny in Wales in November 2025 and said he has 'never been happier'. Hammond revealed he has taken up running and open water swimming, joining a running club in Abergavenny and reducing his 5k time to under 25 minutes.

North Yorkshire Council has successfully defended its £13.4m Harrogate Gateway scheme against legal challenges, with the Court of Appeal dismissing an appeal in March. Construction is due to start early next year and finish in autumn 2028. Cllr Malcolm Taylor said the council was right to robustly resist the challenges because the scheme will drive investment and regeneration in Harrogate town centre.

North Yorkshire Council has successfully defended its £13.4m Harrogate Gateway scheme after the Court of Appeal dismissed legal challenges in March. The campaign group Get Away and A & E Baines Ltd had challenged four traffic regulation orders associated with the scheme, which includes a combined bus and cycle lane, one-way traffic arrangements and turning restrictions near the bus and railway stations. Construction is due to begin in the New Year and finish in autumn 2028.

Bristol Rovers have appointed former Bristol City midfielder Lee Tomlin as a first-team coach. The 37-year-old, who has made over 580 appearances during a 17-year career at clubs including Peterborough, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, will assist manager Steve Evans. Tomlin joins from Morecambe, where he recently served as assistant manager and joint caretaker manager.

Shawna Gramkow, a 46-year-old true crime influencer with over 50,000 social media followers, has been charged with unlawful wiretapping. She allegedly posted a recording of a call involving Christopher Clancy, Patrick Clancy's father, to Instagram on 30 August. Gramkow claimed that a phone number belonging to Patrick Clancy had been read aloud during his former wife's murder trial, and said someone from her audience had called it. Christopher Clancy reported the incident to police in September after recognising his own voice in the audio, which he said he had accidentally answered from an unknown number on 6 August whilst driving.

Simon Richardson, 35, has been found guilty of the murder of Michael Mullins, 56, a head teacher from Weaverham who was struck by a Volvo while cycling home from work on 20 April. Richardson failed to give way at a stop sign before hitting Mr Mullins and leaving him trapped beneath the vehicle. He changed cars to evade capture but was arrested on 21 April following a police pursuit. Jurors deliberated for ten hours and 55 minutes before reaching their verdict at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. Mr Mullins' family attended every day of the trial and paid tribute to him as their 'anchor'.

Norfolk Constabulary continues to appeal for information in five unsolved cases that have shocked Norwich over several decades. The cases include the murder of Michelle Bettles, 22, found strangled in woodland near Scarning in 2002; the disappearance of Kellie Pratt, 28, who vanished outside the Rose Inn in 2000; the assault on Julie Cooper, 28, who suffered life-changing injuries in August 2000; the death of Natalie Pearman, 16, found in a lay-by in 1992; and another case. Detectives hope new evidence or witness information will eventually solve the crimes.

A person was airlifted to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries following an incident at Rhyl train station around 1.30pm on Friday. North Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service and the North Wales Fire & Rescue Service attended the scene. British Transport Police said the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

A woman in her 50s was robbed at knifepoint in Bishops Waltham on 29 October between 1pm and 1.25pm on Chalky Lane. The attacker threatened her with a knife, demanded she expose herself, and stole her phone and jacket before fleeing towards the town centre. Police are appealing for information about a white man in his early 30s, around 6ft 3ins tall, with dark hair and an olive complexion, last seen wearing a light grey hoodie, light denim jeans, trainers and a grey and blue camouflage snood.

Greenland has opened a new international airport in Ilulissat, served by a direct flight from Copenhagen, as the Arctic island seeks to diversify its economy ahead of potential independence from Denmark. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called it 'one of the biggest investments' in the island's history and said a strong economic foundation was necessary for independence. The 56,000-person territory has been the focus of repeated acquisition threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley on Friday after losing 27-19 to the Green Bay Packers. Evero is the first NFL coordinator to be fired this season. The Panthers ranked 22nd in overall defence and last in run defence heading into the week.

St Mary's Hospice dementia support group is relocating from the Lady Holme Centre to The Jetty Museum on Rayrigg Road in Windermere from November. The move provides a new setting for people living with dementia and their carers to access activities, support and connect with others. Those interested can contact the team on 01229 444407.

An RAF Airbus A400M Atlas declared an emergency while flying over the New Forest on Monday, 26 October. The aircraft, which had taken off from MOD Boscombe Down just before 2pm, reported a hydraulic issue and raised an emergency as a precaution, standard practice according to an RAF spokesperson. It landed safely at Bournemouth Airport at 5.17pm.

A Mercedes Sprinter van crossed from the southbound to northbound carriageway of the M6 near junction 20 at around 3.30am, colliding with an MG HS car. The drivers of both vehicles and a passenger from the MG were taken to hospital; two suffered minor injuries and one sustained serious injuries. The van driver, a 22-year-old man from Manchester, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drug-driving, and has been bailed pending further enquiries. Cheshire Police is appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Middlesbrough have signed head of football Kieran Scott and head of recruitment Chris Jones to new long-term contracts. Paul Watson has been appointed as the club's new chief technical officer from Brentford. Scott and Jones have been central to the club's recent growth, with Middlesbrough's players appreciating in value by nearly £150m over five years, the ninth-highest total in the country.

The government has announced that landlords in England will be required to register themselves and their properties under the Renters Rights Act to improve transparency in the private rented sector. The scheme aims to help tenants verify that landlords are properly registered and compliant with regulations. Registration will launch regionally from December 2026, starting with the West Midlands, and will cost £65 per property annually.

Harlequin Fancy Dress in Norwich has recorded its best Halloween season in 30 years of trading, according to owner Justin Attwell. The shop, which opened in the city centre a year ago after relocating from Maidstone in Kent, benefited from strong demand for costumes in the run-up to Halloween. Mr Attwell attributed some of the success to Halloween falling on a Saturday this year.

A 49-year-old man was stabbed near Walthamstow Central station in East London at 2.30am on 30 October. He was found with multiple stab injuries and taken to a major trauma centre. His condition is not life-threatening or life-changing. The Selborne Road entrance to the station was closed following the incident. No arrests have been made and police are appealing for witnesses.

Nottingham's independent live music company DHP Family and its two festivals, Beat The Streets and Bearded Theory, have all been nominated for major industry national awards.

The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust have completed the purchase of the 9,500-acre Rothbury Estate in Northumberland for £30 million following a two-year fundraising campaign. Sir David Attenborough, president emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, thanked the public for their support. The project will focus on nature-friendly farming, restoring bogs and enhancing wildlife across the estate.

England's record wicket-taker James Anderson is uncertain whether to continue his career after Lancashire declined to offer him a new contract for 2027. The 44-year-old, who took 50 wickets in 11 matches this summer, said the decision felt similar to his England departure two years ago. Anderson questioned whether there was 'something fundamentally wrong' with him, though fellow bowler Stuart Broad called Lancashire's treatment 'disrespectful'.

The Milwaukee Brewers won their first World Series title on Wednesday, beating the Rays in Game 6. Before games throughout the postseason, players indulged in cigarettes during batting practice as a 'rally heater' to prepare for matches. The Brewers entered the 2026 postseason as MLB's top seed with a 103-59 record and compiled an 11-2 record against the Padres, Dodgers and Rays.

A lorry crashed into The Vale Hotel on Cricklade's High Street near Swindon on Tuesday night, causing significant damage to the Grade II-listed 16th-century building. The collision knocked over an elaborate cast-iron clock installed to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1898 and owned by the town council, and also toppled a lamppost that smashed a first-floor window and damaged the building's façade. Mark Ingle, who manages the hotel, expressed disappointment that the town council had not contacted him about the damage and said no inspections had been carried out.

Merseyside Police have introduced dispersal zones across Liverpool, Sefton and St Helens from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November to tackle anti-social behaviour during the Halloween weekend. The zones are established under Section 34/35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, giving officers powers to order people engaging in anti-social behaviour to leave designated areas. Anyone who returns within 48 hours risks arrest. Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton said the force aims to let people enjoy Halloween 'without fear of their fun being spoiled by a minority intent on engaging in anti-social behaviour'.

A Norwich bus driver diverted his route to rush a woman in agony to hospital on Wednesday, 28 October. Clive Ashcroft, who has driven buses for 25 years, was finishing his shift on the 21 service when a man at a Bowthorpe stop asked for help for his wife. Mr Ashcroft called his route controller, who approved the diversion, and all passengers agreed it was the right decision. He took the woman to A&E and continued with his remaining passengers at no charge.

Brookmans Park, a Hertfordshire village half an hour from London by train, combines rural character with commuter convenience. The area underwent significant growth after the railway station arrived in 1926, transforming it into a sought-after commuter hotspot while retaining countryside charm. The village has attracted several celebrities, including England and Arsenal footballer Bukayo Saka, singers Alexandra Burke and Tulisa Contostavlos, and Tracey Thorn of Everything But The Girl.

Alby Hunt, 21, has been jailed for three years and nine months at Teesside Crown Court for child sex offences. Videos of the abuse were found on the victim's mobile phone after social services were alerted. Hunt admitted inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity with a child and attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child. He was given an indefinite restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order, and must sign the sex offenders' register for life.

A runner in his 50s was attacked while jogging on the Hilsea foreshore path near the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth early on Tuesday, October 20. The man was punched multiple times in the head, sustaining cuts, before two members of the public intervened and the attacker fled on an electric bike. A 25-year-old man from Havant has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and bailed with conditions until 29 January.

Seven members of a drugs network from the Midlands have been jailed this week after 4.5 tonnes of cocaine hidden in wheels of cheese were smuggled into the country, worth more than £450 million. Jordan Miles, 32, of Coventry, and Brandon Eley, 31, of Tamworth, were among those convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine. A total of 18 people have been convicted following two trials that began last year.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy says three oil tankers caught fire and exploded in the Strait of Hormuz whilst using unauthorised routes, with one carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil hitting a mine. Iran also claimed it destroyed an unmanned US vessel, though the US military has not confirmed this. Oman's navy separately reported a fire on the Panama-flagged merchant ship RITI off its coast, with 25 crew members rescued.

Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Fulham after goalkeeper Zion Suzuki's second-half error gifted the visitors an equaliser. Nicolas Jackson had put Villa ahead, scoring his eighth goal this season, but Suzuki's mistake in the second half allowed Fulham to level. Despite the setback, Villa had chances to extend their lead, with Jackson's finish following Timothy Castagne's error. The result denied Emery's team a fifth win in six games that would have moved them into the top third of the Premier League, though Suzuki had made several excellent saves earlier in the match.

Brighton defeated Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with Yasin Ayari scoring in the 11th minute to give the visitors a first-ever away league victory over City. The result marks Manchester City's second consecutive Premier League defeat under manager Enzo Maresca, following last weekend's loss at Aston Villa. Brighton, now third, are just two points behind City and have strengthened their title credentials by also beating Arsenal this season. Despite City dominating the second half and creating numerous chances, they could not find the net. Maresca said his side 'did enough to deserve something more' but acknowledged they must 'be more clinical and score'.

The Carolina Panthers have fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley after a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. The Panthers' defence has struggled significantly, allowing 27.6 points per game this season. Defensive line coach Todd Wash has been named interim defensive coordinator and play-caller.

The Fishermans Rest, a Greene King pub on Mill Lane in Titchfield, will close on 2 November for a six-figure refurbishment of its interior and exterior. The pub will reopen later in November in time for the festive season. Greene King says the improvements will maintain the pub's traditional country charm while introducing modern comforts.

Craig White, the 57-year-old owner of M40 Cars near Thame, and his driver Robert Green, 65, were ordered to pay nearly £4,000 between them after Green worked unlicensed for around 14 months. Green's private hire driver's licence expired in March 2025, but he continued to work and was not discovered until May 2026 when council licensing officers followed up on his incomplete renewal application. White was fined £531 plus £1,738 in surcharges and costs; Green was fined £461 plus £1,184 in surcharges and costs. Both received six penalty points on their driving licences.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the US Embassy in Nine Elms, London, on Saturday to protest against Palestine Action being designated a terrorist organisation. Organised by campaign group Defend Our Juries, protesters held signs reading 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action'. Police arrested 139 people, the majority for expressing support for a proscribed organisation. Metropolitan Police Commander Adam Slonecki said those attending knew supporting the group was unlawful and were 'essentially meeting to purposefully commit a crime'. A Supreme Court appeal against the proscription is due on 4 November. Similar protests took place outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh, with no arrests reported there.

Essex County Council is upgrading a zebra crossing to a signalised crossing on Ferrers Road in South Woodham Ferrers, east of Benbow Drive. A section of the road from Benbow Drive to approximately 100 metres east is closed, with temporary traffic lights in place. The works run until November 7, with a one-and-a-half mile diversion route in force. Works operate from 10am to 8pm during half term and weekends, 10am to 3pm during term time, and from 7pm to 5am for night-time surfacing. Delays are expected while the works are taking place.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has said he is in 'full agreement' with captain Callum McGregor's assessment of the club's tactical issues following Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Dundee United. McGregor questioned whether strikers Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran were being used in the right positions, describing some moments in games as 'a bit basketball' as Celtic lacked their usual control. O'Neill said he would 'sort it out'.

Two men have been resentenced following a retrial for the murder of Reece Radford, a 26-year-old Good Samaritan killed in Sheffield in September 2022. Louis James was convicted of murder and sentenced to life with a minimum term of 23 years, whilst Dereck Owusu was convicted of manslaughter and jailed for 14 years. Both received reduced sentences compared with their original convictions in April 2023. Radford died after intervening when he saw a teenage girl being assaulted by Owusu; he was then attacked and stabbed by both men.

Former RAF chief test pilot Robert Burke, who played a crucial role in clearing the names of two pilots blamed for the 1994 RAF Chinook helicopter crash, has died aged 86 after a short illness. The aircraft crashed on the Mull of Kintyre on 2 June 1994, killing 29 people including 25 intelligence experts and four special forces crew members. Flight Lieutenants Richard Cook and Jonathan Tapper were initially accused of gross negligence, but the Government overturned that verdict in 2011 following a campaign by their families and supporters, to which Burke was central.

Keri Jones, a former Wales and British Lions rugby international, has died aged 81. Jones represented Wales in union and league, as well as competing for Great Britain at rugby league. He also represented Wales at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica as a sprinter.

Wiltshire Police has announced extra patrols in communities across Swindon and Wiltshire this Halloween weekend to help keep residents safe and respond to concerns. The force is urging residents to celebrate safely and respectfully, with particular guidance for children planning to go trick or treating.

Leeds City Council has approved plans to demolish a former Catholic care home in Headingley to make way for 37 apartments. The Little Sisters of the Poor, a charitable religious order, said the building was unsafe due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the roof. The charity plans to use revenue from selling the site to fund a separate sheltered housing complex, convent and chapel on a neighbouring plot.

Hundreds of thousands of people protested across France and Germany on Saturday over the cost of living, poor schools and public services. France deployed 70,000 police officers after Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of a 'very high risk' of disorder, particularly after dark on Halloween. The French interior ministry said 320,000 people marched nationwide, including 70,000 in Paris, down from 410,000 the previous weekend. Marches began peacefully but turned violent as crowds dispersed, with police firing tear gas in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities. At least 290 people were arrested nationwide. In Germany, youth-led protests organised by a group called Gen Z regelt took place in over 30 cities, with about 150,000 people registered to participate, demanding action on schools, climate protection and housing.

William Wilkes, 26, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 26 weeks at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on 28 October after stealing bank cards from three vehicles in Aldershot in October. He took cash and cards from the cars before using the cards to make purchases in local shops. Wilkes pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a motor vehicle, two counts of handling stolen goods, and seven counts of fraud by false representation.

Michael Magill, 45, was jailed for six months after using leather gloves fitted with a metal clip as a makeshift weapon at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. He also threatened to kill a security guard during two separate incidents at the hospital in August. Magill pleaded guilty to threats to kill, common assault, disorderly behaviour and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

A refuse truck caught fire in Brighton on Friday afternoon. Fire crews were continuing to tackle the blaze.

North Yorkshire Council's Brierley Homes would have entered administration without a £3.4m taxpayer-funded bailout approved in July and September 2025. The company, which had forecast a £350,000 profit, instead made a £7.8m loss in 2025/26. Council leader Carl Les said the loans prevented the company becoming financially unviable and protected the authority from losses exceeding £20m.

Carnforth Town Council has issued a warning about an unauthorised wedding fayre advertised for Crag Bank Village Hall on 28 and 29 November 2026. The council, which manages the building, said no such event had been booked or approved. The council received information suggesting people were invited to pay £60 to participate. The matter has been reported to Lancashire Constabulary and Action Fraud over concerns about potential fraud.

Adam Cooper, 62, was punched at Ricco and Loren bar in Lichfield on 24 May, suffering fractures to his eye socket and nose and requiring £6,000 in dental surgery. His friend Matthew O'Gara died in hospital two days later after also being punched inside the bar. Billy Allison denies murdering O'Gara but admits manslaughter and inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The Mitsubishi Triton GSR faces a growing field of rivals in the Australian ute market, including the GWM Cannon Alpha, JAC T9, Kia Tasman and new Toyota HiLux. Mitsubishi has also introduced the range-topping Triton Raider with Australian-developed off-road suspension. The GSR itself received chassis upgrades in May 2026, including Yamaha-developed dampers designed to reduce vibration and sharpen steering response, as part of a broader suspension update. Competition is fierce among lifestyle utes such as the Ranger Wildtrak, HiLux SR5 and Triton GSR, with the wider 4x4 ute segment experiencing challenging conditions and sales down 13.6 per cent year-on-year to the end of September.