Monday, 5 October 2026

McDonald's faces a federal antitrust lawsuit alleging it illegally uses an artificial intelligence tool to coordinate menu prices across its nearly 14,000 restaurants. The suit, filed in Chicago, claims the system allows independently owned franchises to share nonpublic price and sales data, violating antitrust law. McDonald's denies the allegations, saying franchisees set their own prices and the AI tool merely provides optional recommendations.

One of Melbourne's most famous streets will receive a 30km/h speed limit as part of an 18-month trial. The local council is seeking feedback on the move.

Alex Avi of Shady Side Academy won the WPIAL Class 2A individual golf title at Oakmont Country Club by birdieing three straight holes. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Avi secured the title at the challenging course.

South Carolina continues to lead the nation in foreclosure activity, according to new data from ATTOM Data Solutions. Experts say context matters in interpreting the figures.

A Montana state judge has ruled unconstitutional a requirement that voters write their birth year on absentee ballot return envelopes. The requirement has resulted in thousands of votes being thrown out since 2025, according to reports.

President Trump announced Monday that his super PAC, MAGA Inc., will pay for television advertisements promoting his administration going forward, following bipartisan criticism of using federal funds for the campaign. The ads, which began airing in late September, featured Trump promoting his policies and warning against communism and were paid for with at least $1.5 million to $20 million in taxpayer funds from the Department of Homeland Security. The White House clarified Tuesday that Trump's announcement was not referring to reimbursing the federal government for ads already aired. Critics, including lawmakers from both parties and ethics experts, questioned whether the ads violated restrictions on government propaganda and partisan political activity. The Democratic National Committee has sued the administration, alleging illegal diversion of federal funds. Trump defended the ads as a standard practice and positive promotion for the country.

Nissan has launched the new X-Trail Rock Creek in Australia with petrol power only, citing a desire to reduce complexity. The company has indicated that a hybrid option may be introduced later. Separately, the X-Trail e-Power hybrid model continues to be available, now including more affordable front-wheel drive versions.

Arizona wildlife officials are urging residents to reconsider using pumpkins and gourds as outdoor Halloween decorations, warning that festive displays could attract hungry wildlife to homes.

Tennessee's botched executions have prompted fresh conversation about Missouri's approach to capital punishment and whether the state should reconsider its death penalty laws.

A 20-year-old man was hospitalised after his Mercedes struck a tree and caught fire in Hope Valley. The vehicle was destroyed in the incident.

A Flagstaff man died after being found unconscious in the water at Lake Havasu, according to the Mohave County Sheriff's Office.

The 2027 BMW X3 M50 xDrive performance SUV has received a power bump and a new Black Package option for a stealthier appearance. The wider X3 range will also receive interior enhancements.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal challenging a West Michigan school district's ban on sweatshirts bearing the phrase 'Let's Go Brandon'. The school's prohibition on the slogan stands without further review.

Anojan Sivarasa, 24, a migrant worker from Sri Lanka, has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia after being found guilty of blasphemy over a Facebook comment. The case began with a viral video from June showing a man kicking a dog that had followed Hindu pilgrims in Sri Lanka, which triggered an online religious argument. When another user posted derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity, Anojan responded with a comment in Tamil insulting the Prophet Muhammad. He deleted the post and uploaded an apology video, but screenshots were passed to his employer and Saudi authorities, leading to his arrest in July. An appellate court recently upheld the death sentence after Saudi prosecutors appealed for him to be tried under Sharia law, escalating his punishment from an initial five-year prison term and £600,000 fine. Sri Lanka's government has sent a legal team to Riyadh to seek clemency.

An Australian Army soldier died and five others were injured when a military vehicle rolled over during a training exercise at the Mount Bundey Training Area, about 130 kilometres southeast of Darwin, on Monday. The 28-year-old soldier was declared dead at the scene. Two of the injured soldiers were airlifted to Royal Darwin Hospital by helicopter and three more were transported by plane, with two reported to be in critical condition. Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered condolences to the soldier's family.

John Meise, a 36-year-old Wisconsin father of four, died on Sunday after collapsing during the Milwaukee Lakefront Half Marathon. He collapsed at the 13-mile mark, just 600 feet from the finish line, around 10 a.m. and was taken to Froedtert Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His cause of death remains undetermined, and he had no known medical history. Meise leaves behind his wife Lauren and four children: Mason, 11, Owen, 8, Lucy, 4, and Isla, 1. It was his first half-marathon, though he had been running for six years. A fellow competitor immediately helped, and medical staff provided lifesaving care, but he could not be revived. The race organizers expressed their condolences.

Karl-Anthony Towns said Monday that the prospects of him getting a contract extension with the reigning NBA-champion New York Knicks before the start of the regular season were not looking good.

Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is expected to miss 12 to 16 weeks after dislocating his left ankle and tearing ligaments in it.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel responded after Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson dismissed one of his players as a 'practice squad player' following New England's 29-26 victory on Sunday. The criticism came after an undrafted free agent made a notable one-handed catch during the game.

The Greens have proposed that the federal government purchase 200 Coles and Woolies supermarket stores to reduce food costs. The party has adopted an idea modelled on a US mayor's approach.

The Seattle Seahawks initially agreed to sign veteran running back Joe Mixon on Monday after he completed a workout, planning to place him on the practice squad. The Seahawks, reigning Super Bowl champions with a 3–1 record, were facing a running back shortage with rookie Jadarian Price on injured reserve with a chest injury and Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL. However, the team cancelled the deal on Tuesday after Mixon failed his physical. Mixon, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, missed the entire 2025 season with a mysterious foot injury that the Houston Texans' general manager had described as a 'freak' injury. Reports in July suggested Mixon had told teammates he would not play football again. The Seahawks instead plan to sign Robert Henry Jr. from the Washington Commanders' practice squad and add Dontate McMillan to their own practice squad.

A 13-year-old boy was killed while protecting his younger sister during a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana. His family has described him as a hero for his actions during the incident.

Anson Williams, 77, posted a shirtless selfie on Instagram on Sunday with a message to fellow boomers about taking care of their health. Fox News reports that he credited his partner Sharon MaHarry and "good lovin'" for his vitality.

Guillermo May has joined Melbourne Victory and insists he is not here to replace Juan Mata. He is determined to bring a winning mentality to help end the club's trophy drought.

Nissan is expected to finally reveal it is bringing a plug-in hybrid ute to Australia, almost a year after previewing it to dealers. The vehicle is expected to rival the BYD Shark 6.

Andrew Trimble, who won two Triple Crowns and the 2014 Six Nations Championship playing for Ireland and Ulster, has transitioned to business as a tech entrepreneur. He has discussed how skills from his rugby career have proved transferable to entrepreneurship.

Lego sets across various product lines including Star Wars, Botanicals and Technic ranges are currently on sale. Some sets have been discounted for the first time, reaching their lowest-ever prices during what appears to be an Amazon Prime Day promotion.

New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a $30 million plan to address anti-Jewish hate crimes. Fox News reports the plan indirectly funds the Arab American Association of New York, which is critical of U.S.-Israel ties, while the New York Post says it includes $6.4 million for Partners Against the Hate.

The University of Arizona has extended its freeze on tuition and fees for all undergraduate and graduate students. The university did not provide further details about the duration or scope of the freeze.

Arizona Cardinals left tackle Paris Johnson Jr is out for the season after tearing his bicep during a game in New York, head coach Mike LaFleur told reporters Monday.

Jamie Laycock has become Scotland's first dedicated AI teacher at Mearns Castle High School in East Renfrewshire. He has warned pupils not to trust everything AI tells them, saying schools must help youngsters understand both the opportunities and dangers of the technology.

A major fire broke out just after 10pm on 5 October at a residential property above the Escobar building on Market Street in Nottingham city centre. Around a dozen residents were evacuated and several businesses nearby were affected. Twelve fire engines with at least 48 firefighters attended the scene, working through the night to control and extinguish the blaze. Two boys aged 12 and 14 were arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal damage and remain in police custody. The fire caused significant disruption, with roads including Upper Parliament Street, Goldsmith Street and Market Street closed, and Nottingham's tram service suspended between Theatre Royal and Market Square. No one was seriously injured.

At least seven attacks on oil tankers in the Middle East have been reported in the past week, as oil exports reach pre-war levels. The incidents have contributed to rising oil and petrol prices.

A semi-truck hauling anhydrous ammonia has rolled over near Devils Lake. No leak has been reported, and traffic is being diverted whilst crews work to clear the scene.

A major fire broke out at a Grade II listed building above the Escobar bar on Market Street in Nottingham shortly after 22:55 BST on Monday. At its height, 12 fire engines and about 60 firefighters attended. Two boys, aged 12 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of arson and remain in police custody. The fire caused significant disruption, with multiple roads closed and tram services halted. Around a dozen residents and four businesses were affected, with one resident left unable to return to his flat due to water and smoke damage.

France defeated Belgium 4-1 in a Nations League match, marking Zinedine Zidane's first home victory as coach of the national team. Italy also won in the competition.

Coco Gauff received what she described as an 'insane' amount of racist comments on social media following her 7-5, 6-1 victory over 16-year-old Sun Xinran at the China Open. During the first set, when serving at 4-5, Gauff raised her hand to stop play because a light in the courtside advertising panels was flickering just as Sun appeared to have struck a winner. After video review, the point was replayed and Gauff won it, then held serve and went on to win the match. In response to racist abuse posted online, Gauff wrote: 'You can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist. The amount of racist comments and direct messages I've received in the last few hours is insane. Lastly, I'm not a cheater or a thief.' She also noted that Sun had understood and accepted her apology for the incident. The Women's Tennis Association condemned the abuse and said it was in contact with Gauff to offer support.

A deadly crash on Interstate 10 near Buckeye in Arizona's West Valley prompted the closure of the eastbound direction on Monday afternoon. No further details about the incident have been reported.

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has accused Labor and the Coalition of adopting his party's hard-line immigration policy. Joyce claims both major parties are copying One Nation's stance on migration.

Production on The Batman Part II has been temporarily paused after director Matt Reeves stepped away to focus on a family matter. DC Studios said he has their full support and they look forward to continuing soon. It is unclear whether the current release date of February 18, 2028 will be affected.

A pastor and former American Idol contestant has been convicted of murdering his wife and sentenced to life in prison. He has maintained his innocence throughout, declaring 'I am not lying when I say I did not kill my wife'. Perth Now reports he was convicted whilst engaged in an affair.

Mason Flores, a 15-year-old, suffered a severe brain injury during a high school football game. His family is preparing to donate his organs, with the Sweet Home community offering support.

Billy Gilmour will earn his 50th cap for Scotland against Slovenia. The match marks a milestone in the midfielder's international career as he continues to harbour World Cup ambitions.

Scotland manager Sébastien Pocognoli suffered a damaging defeat at Hampden Park as his side let slip a first-half lead to lose 2-1 to Slovenia in the Nations League. Ryan Christie's close-range backheel gave Scotland a half-time advantage, but second-half goals from Aljosa Matko and Danijel Sturm turned the game. The loss leaves Scotland third in Group B1 with four points from four matches. Captain Andy Robertson told BBC Sport the team were 'not good enough' and 'outfought', saying Slovenia looked fresher and hungrier. Pocognoli admitted Scotland 'didn't deserve to get the win' and were 'not clever enough' on the ball. The manager remains without a home victory since taking charge, having won just one of his four games.

OpenAI's chief strategy officer will face a parliamentary inquiry in Sydney over breaches of Australian government portals by the tech giant.

Billy Gilmour is close to reaching 50 Scotland caps. The 25-year-old played a key role in Sebastien Pocognoli's first win as Scotland national head coach and is excited about the prospect of the milestone.

Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi is frustrated with how the ACC is regarded in college football polls. The Atlantic Coast Conference appears to be starting its push for greater recognition in the 2026 season.

Mary Fowler has been ruled out of the Matildas' international friendlies against Germany and Haiti due to personal circumstances. The decision was made following discussions between Fowler, Manchester City and Football Australia staff. Leah Davidson has been called up to replace the 23-year-old. Fowler's partner, NRL player Nathan Cleary, is recovering in Australia after undergoing surgery on both legs following a preliminary final injury.

Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports have been removed from Fox Sports' college football pre-game show Big Noon Kickoff. Portnoy claims Ohio State coach Ryan Day was behind his removal, saying Day 'lost his mind' and was 'broken' by Michigan.

Sunny weather is forecast for the coming week, with temperatures cooler overall than the previous week. Wednesday will see particular warmth in the afternoon, with highs reaching the low 80s in some areas after starting in the low 40s.

France has secured a 4-1 victory over Belgium in the Nations League, marking Zinedine Zidane's first home win as coach of the national team.

Two teenagers have died in a car crash that occurred Friday night on the west side of Bismarck, North Dakota. According to KXNET, a westbound Infiniti crashed into the passenger side of a Chevy Equinox that was making a left turn from West Main Avenue. The community of Mandan, where the victims attended high school, is mourning the deaths.

A judge has overturned the City of Sioux Falls' approval of Smithfield Foods' planned facility in northwest Sioux Falls. Around 30 landowners near Foundation Park had sued, claiming the city failed to follow its own rules when approving the conditional use permit and related plans for the plant.

Northern Ireland were held to a goalless draw by Georgia in the Nations League at Windsor Park, with Isaac Price missing a penalty in the 84th minute. Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili saved the spot-kick. Despite the draw, Northern Ireland remain top of Group B2 with eight points from four games, having won 3-0 against Ukraine and beaten Georgia in Tbilisi earlier in the window.

The NBA is experimenting with two pieces of technology in the leadup to the season: smart basketballs and official wrist wearables. These will be tested in select preseason games.

The Conservative Party has announced plans for a £10bn air and missile defence system called 'Britannia Shield', to protect the UK from drones and missile attacks. Leader Kemi Badenoch said the system would combine radar, command and control systems with interceptor missiles and counter-drone capabilities to defend cities, military bases and critical infrastructure. The cost would be spread over ten years at £1bn annually, funded from the party's commitment to raise defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030. However, Badenoch subsequently distanced the scheme from Israel's Iron Dome despite the Conservative press release describing it as 'in essence, a British Iron Dome'. Military experts have questioned the costings, with former general Richard Barrows suggesting an equivalent system could cost £80bn or more.

Documents released by the White House reveal that during the Biden administration, the FBI tracked Melania and Barron Trump's travel as part of an investigation codenamed 'Plasmic Echo' into whether President Trump illegally retained classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. The bureau also monitored calls involving Susie Wiles, now White House Chief of Staff, with defence lawyers and others. Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray approved the surveillance, which was later taken over by special counsel Jack Smith.

Amber Zabran is suing The Nerd bar in downtown Las Vegas after she was thrown from its mechanical bull ride called the 'Gyrating Johnson'. She claims she suffered serious injuries in the incident.

Trixie Morvoren, a one-year-old with a rare 'mermaid birth' condition and heart problems, died at Royal Cornwall Hospital in Cornwall after becoming unwell. Her parents told an inquest they felt there was 'no sense of urgency' as her condition deteriorated.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was caught on a live microphone cursing at receiver Dontayvion Wicks during the first quarter of Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts wanted Wicks to move off the line of scrimmage and go in motion, but Wicks did not understand the signal, prompting Hurts to shout an expletive. Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt, calling the game for Fox, both acknowledged the outburst, with Brady saying 'Uh oh' and Burkhardt adding 'That's not good'.

Usha Vance, wife of US Vice President JD Vance, lost her balance while exiting Marine Two at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday. She was carrying her two-month-old son, Alec Neel Vance, in a baby carrier and recovered her footing near the bottom of the stairs.

A new poll shows Donald Trump's approval rating at 32 per cent, a record low. The low rating is seen as damaging for Republicans ahead of November's midterm elections.

Isle of Wight councillors have rejected proposed fare increases for the Floating Bridge, with all members of the economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee voting against the plans. East Cowes Town Council also urged Isle of Wight Council to reconsider the proposals.

Dominick Rooney, a senior football player at Wautoma, has been discharged from hospital and is continuing his recovery at home following an injury sustained during a game against Waupun. His family has asked for privacy during his recovery.

Jeffrey Archer, the former Conservative MP and bestselling author, has died aged 86, his publisher Harper Collins has confirmed. The Telegraph & Argus reported that he died suddenly.

A former court-appointed guardian in Nebraska has been convicted of multiple felonies for stealing more than $140,000 from 22 vulnerable adults. The case involved Medicaid fraud.

Thornton suffered a dislocated ankle in Sunday's 30-27 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and will undergo surgery. According to ESPN and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the injury occurred during the game.

Niamh O'Brien, the 52-year-old wife of Riverdance star Michael Flatley, has died at Beacon Hospital in Dublin following a period of illness. The couple had been married for 20 years and performed together in Flatley's Lord Of The Dance production. They had one son together, Michael St James, born in 2007. Flatley, 68, announced the death on social media on Monday evening, describing his wife as his 'beautiful wife' and 'best friend'. The Mirror reports that O'Brien had been unwell for several years and was only hours away from being flown to the United States for specialist treatment when she died.

Turkey and Pakistan have agreed to deploy rapid military forces to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed in August. The decision came at an emergency meeting in Riyadh after repeated Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Pakistan's Defence Minister said Pakistani and Turkish forces would play a supporting role in reconnaissance, with Saudi forces conducting the combat operations.

Premier League viewership among adults aged 18-34 in the United States has risen by 20 per cent compared to the previous season, following increased interest from the World Cup. Tottenham Hotspur's matches featured prominently among the top six most-watched broadcasts in the country.

Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale will be fully rested when he starts Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This represents a best-case scenario for the Braves.

The NFL has suspended two officials for unprofessional conduct towards players following incidents during Sunday's Week 4 games. Line judge Jeff Seeman was suspended for two games after being filmed directing profanity at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride during a loss to the New York Giants. Referee Adrian Hill received a one-game suspension after confronting Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson face-to-face following an accidental collision. The NFL Players Association had called for action against Seeman, arguing that officials should be held to the same standard as players.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has announced the Coalition's new migration policy, which would cut migration to about a third of current levels—reportedly the largest cut in Australia's history. Taylor has dismissed criticism from business groups and a Labor figure, who described the policy as looking like it was written by AI, insisting the plan will not damage the economy.

Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas is cycling to the Singapore Grand Prix after preparing for the Malaysian race with his partner, Australian professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell.

An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018, including charges of artificially inflating commercial revenues by over £830 million through 'sham' sponsorship contracts. The club denies wrongdoing and has appealed the verdict. Possible sanctions range from fines and points deductions to expulsion from the Premier League. City return to action this weekend against Liverpool at Anfield, their first match since the verdict. Several high-profile figures, including former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, have called for swift resolution to the case and substantial punishments.

Police in southwestern China say seven people have drowned in an abandoned mine during an illegal mining operation.

Governor Ron DeSantis has signed his 20th death warrant of the year, with Jesse Guardado set for execution on 5 November. Florida is on pace to exceed its modern-era execution record set in 2025.

Mexico has requested evidence after US officials reported shots fired at border personnel. Mexican President Sheinbaum expressed concern about US officials overstepping norms on security cooperation. The dispute occurs amid growing security cooperation between the two countries.

Dr Karl Deisseroth, a California scientist, won the Nobel Prize in medicine for his work developing optogenetics, a new field of brain science. After receiving congratulatory calls about the award, he made school lunches for his children.

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is recovering from a serious knee injury sustained at the World Cup. He has undergone knee surgery and is expected to miss most of this season, though he is targeting a speedy return using surprise training methods.

Nvidia-backed start-up Reflection AI has unveiled Beam, its first open-weight AI model, claiming it matches the reasoning abilities of leading Chinese competitor GLM-5.2 while requiring significantly less computing power for inference. The model weights are due to be released this month, as the company seeks to boost US competitiveness in the AI sector.

OpenAI has released hundreds of solutions to major long-standing mathematics problems, produced by an unreleased frontier model. The release, covering 372 groups of related problems, extends a series of breakthroughs that have both impressed and unsettled parts of the mathematical community. However, the announcement has drawn significant criticism from mathematics leaders over research ethics and academic conduct.

At Takoma Park Street Festival near Washington D.C. on Sunday, some residents told Fox News they would support government seizure of their homes for public benefit.

Rapper Professor Green will embark on a UK tour next summer called 'Live and At Your Service', visiting 11 cities. The tour will feature his biggest hits and fan favourites.

Composer George Fenton, who won five Oscar nominations and wrote music for films including Gandhi and Groundhog Day as well as BBC nature documentaries such as Planet Earth and Blue Planet, has died aged 76. His death on Monday was unexpected, according to a statement from his family, who did not disclose the cause. He is survived by his wife Amanda, ex-wife Jane, three children and seven grandchildren.

Saudi-led coalition forces fighting in Yemen have recaptured several key areas around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to Yemeni officials. The Houthis have claimed attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports and military bases as fighting escalates on Yemen's western coast.

Author and activist Gloria Steinem, a prominent and celebrated voice for the women's movement, died in September. Steinem was widely recognised for her contributions to feminism and women's rights advocacy.

A board has been set up to guide plans for 10,000 new homes at Long Marston in south Warwickshire. The leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council has committed to appointing residents to the board, after an initial plea for resident involvement was dismissed.

The A66 has been closed in both directions between Station Road and The Hawthorns after a multi-vehicle crash. Emergency services are at the scene and motorists have been warned to expect delays.

Haiti defeated the Dominican Republic 4-1 in a soccer match, with a celebratory remark afterwards reigniting long-simmering racial, political and economic tensions between the two countries that share the island of Hispaniola.

Harry Kane equalled Peter Shilton's 36-year-old record of 125 England caps when he played for England against Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker marked the milestone with a standout display, scoring twice and assisting the opening goal—a Vladimir Coufal own goal—as England won 3-0 in the Nations League. Kane, already England's all-time leading goalscorer with 91 goals, is a leading contender for the Ballon d'Or. Teammate Jude Bellingham called him 'the best England player to have ever worn the shirt'. Manager Thomas Tuchel praised Kane as 'exceptional'. Kane will become England's outright record holder for caps when he plays against Croatia next month.

The Wikimedia Foundation has disclosed that agents it believes were operated by OpenAI accessed its platforms without permission, making millions of automated requests and crawling millions of pages. The activity included unauthorised edits to Wikimedia wikis, mostly in sandbox testing areas, and unsuccessful attempts to compromise the Etherpad note-taking tool to use it as a proxy for fetching external data. The foundation says the heavy traffic from these agents 'may' have contributed to a partial outage of the Wikidata Query Service on 7 May. The foundation found no evidence that its systems were compromised or used for coordination between agents, but expressed concern about the growing risks posed by autonomous AI agents.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting to their active roster. The move comes after a trade and injury left the team short of cornerbacks at their projected top two positions.

Anti-war activists are planning a large protest at a weapons conference in Perth. They have stated their intention to keep the rally peaceful, contrasting their approach with violence that occurred at a similar event in Melbourne in 2024.

Warm weather brought thousands of people to Abingdon's annual street fair. The event attracted crowds of fun seekers to the town.

A UK sports legend who represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the Olympics was recently spotted at a milestone celebration event in Oxfordshire.

A Grade-II listed 19th-century Oxfordshire pub has reopened at the weekend with a new name. The outlets provide no further details about the pub's location, previous name or its new identity.

The fourth Witney Wine Festival showcased over 100 varieties of wine alongside food stalls and live music. The event also offered discounts on bottles.

A York holiday park could be set for changes, according to reports.

Cambridge University students have completed a 200-mile punt from Oxford to Cambridge, raising over £11,000 for Alzheimer's Society. The charity challenge took the students the full distance between the two university cities.

A man has pleaded guilty to 16 child sex offences after a teenage girl was reported missing in the West Midlands. The girl was found at his home.

Pennsylvania is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in decades, with more than 1,000 cases reported this year. This represents a significant resurgence of the disease in the state.

An incident on the rail line between Brighton and Haywards Heath has been resolved, with Haywards Heath station reopening. Southern confirmed the reopening after emergency services dealt with the situation, which had caused delays, alterations and cancellations to train services.

Two men were arrested and an axe seized after an altercation on a train between Brighton and Haywards Heath near Cooksbridge in East Sussex shortly after 19:00 BST on Monday. Police said there was no evidence that anyone was struck by the axe. The men were arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon and remain in custody. It is believed those involved knew each other and left the train at Cooksbridge. Train services between the two stations were disrupted for up to three hours, with Haywards Heath station closed for about 20 minutes while police investigated.

Multiple road crashes have caused closures across south London. The A217 Belmont Rise in Belmont is shut in both directions between The Crescent and Northdown Road, with congestion stretching to Fir Tree Road in Banstead and back into Cheam. The incident was first reported around 6.36am. Separately, Bridge Road in Beckenham is blocked in both directions between Blakeney Road and Copers Cope Road near the railway bridge, with London Buses route 352 diverted while the incident is dealt with.

Artificial intelligence insiders are warning New York City's leaders about dangers of the emerging technology, calling for greater oversight. Local governments are beginning to respond to mounting safety concerns surrounding AI.

Springfield is seeking to extend an administrative delay on data center applications and define 'data center' in its code. Ozark has passed an ordinance restricting data center development, whilst Independence's city council now requires approval for 'major' data centers before construction.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is out for the season with a torn Achilles injury. Tests have confirmed the diagnosis.

Hooters has closed its last Jacksonville, Florida location after nearly four decades of operation. The closure is part of ongoing restructuring following the chain's bankruptcy, with recent closures also reported in Boca Raton, Florida and Hickory, North Carolina.

Benjamin Day, a 20-year-old University of Worcester forensics student, has pleaded guilty to murdering Maria Saceanu, a 24-year-old sex worker, at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Day lured Ms Saceanu to a plastic-lined room at an Airbnb in Tividale, West Midlands, which he had prepared as a copycat 'kill room' inspired by the US television series Dexter. He stabbed her 78 times, many wounds inflicted after death, and began to dismember her body before cutting his own hand. Day was arrested in December after calling 999 for help, claiming he had been bitten by a wild dog. He changed his plea to guilty on the second day of his trial on 6 October. Day will be sentenced on 4 December.

Home Bargains has recalled a popular Christmas snack due to a health risk. Customers have been warned not to eat the item.

A woman named Brooke underwent a childbirth that nearly cost her life and resulted in the removal of her uterus. She has described surviving the experience as a miracle.

An 11-year-old girl has been found dead in a park. The death is unexplained. Members of the public have left tributes including cards and teddy bears at a shrine to the girl.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch has criticised United States President Donald Trump's intervention on a red card during the World Cup, claiming it exemplifies why 'everyone hates America'. Fox News reports that Marsch also called America a 'propaganda-infused nation' ahead of a friendly against the USMNT, saying the rest of the world hates Americans overseas.

Police are searching for a missing 13-year-old boy named Nicholas, who has links to Norfolk. Officers have expressed concern for his welfare.

OpenAI is rolling out an invisible watermark called textGrain to text generated by ChatGPT and Codex for users in the European Union, starting over the coming weeks. The watermark subtly shapes word choices to leave a pattern that automated detectors can identify, though it remains invisible to human readers. The move complies with the EU AI Act's transparency rules, which took effect in August and require AI companies to mark generated content in machine-readable ways. OpenAI says textGrain 'matched or exceeded' other approaches like Google DeepMind's SynthID. API customers globally can opt in to watermarking for select models starting immediately. However, the watermark is imperfect: shorter text and edited content are harder to detect, with success rates falling significantly when text is substantially changed. OpenAI acknowledges the system 'does not guarantee reliable detection' and notes it does not verify accuracy or determine text ownership.

Ghost, a startup making personal AI computers, has raised $11 million in seed funding led by Andreessen Horowitz. The company's Core computer, priced at $3,499, is positioned as a Mac mini rival that builds context on users' lives over time with built-in privacy and security features.

Blake Stephenson, the Conservative shadow Home Office minister for Mid Bedfordshire, claimed at a fringe meeting at the Conservative Party conference that Luton is 'a very dangerous place' with 'no-go zones' where 'white people won't go' and 'ghettoes'. Stephenson, appointed to the frontbench role two weeks prior, said the town was 'a shadow of its former self' and that such areas exist in other towns across the country. Local officials and politicians have rejected the claims as untrue. Sarah Owen, Labour MP for Luton North, called the comments 'deeply irresponsible' and accused Stephenson of peddling 'rightwing nonsense' similar to that of far-right activists. Councillor Amjid Ali, Leader of Luton Council, stated the claims are 'completely untrue' and do not reflect a town where people of different backgrounds live together. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended Stephenson, saying he is 'very sensible' and insisting she would 'stand by him'.

A majority of US voters oppose new AI data centre construction, according to survey data, with opposition expressed equally across party lines. Meanwhile, another survey finds 46% of Americans distrust AI with their data, though 63% want independent scientific review of the technology.

An axed cyber security program should be replaced to help small businesses prepare against the rising threat of scams and cyber attacks, the sector says.

A report finds that employers are not as supportive as they think they are of victim-survivors rebuilding their lives after domestic and family violence. The report describes the experience as a 'hamster wheel' of financial stress.

Trevoh Chalobah has departed Chelsea following 19 years at the club to join Como in Italy. The centre-back has described the move as beneficial for his career development, suggesting that European experience is valuable for English footballers.

Barack Obama will campaign with Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive who won Michigan's Democratic primary, ahead of the 10 November election. El-Sayed defeated moderate congresswoman Haley Stevens by less than a percentage point in August, backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The seat is considered critical to which party controls the Senate. Obama will also appear with gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson and is recording advertisements for Democratic candidates nationally.

Truro City defender Will Dean has signed a new multi-year contract with the National League South side. Dean said the decision to extend his stay was easy because he is enjoying his football at the club.

Statistics experts Opta have predicted final Premier League positions for Sunderland this season. The prediction comes ahead of matches against Brighton and Bournemouth.

England assistant coach Anthony Barry has credited a new training approach under manager Thomas Tuchel with unlocking Jude Bellingham's full potential. Barry says the structure means key attacking players are not 'caged in', allowing the Real Madrid star to thrive after recent strong performances including a 7-0 win over Croatia.

A man is pursuing an $82,000 overseas treatment after unsuccessful treatments at home failed to address his deadly disease.

Pia Miranda, an Australian screen star, is joining the ABC's new cooking competition Recipe Of The Year as co-host. The show is described as an uplifting culinary contest.

Five-year-old Charlie contracted meningococcal B, a disease where rapid treatment is critical. Ambulance crew suspected the condition, though his parents did not initially realise the severity. The Meningitis Centre Australia and Charlie's family have expressed gratitude for Telethon support.

Olivia Street, a Telethon Little Star, took part in a three-day outdoor adventure at a Neuromuscular WA kids camp in the Perth Hills. She led activities during the wild exploration programme.

Christopher Wilson Jr., a 17-year-old defensive end from Yorktown High School who had committed to play for West Virginia University, was shot and killed in Muncie, Indiana. He was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. Police are investigating the incident.

Dr Hannah Cain, 45, known professionally as Dr Hannah Terry, was found dead at her home in Fern Hill, Dersingham, in the early hours of Sunday 4 October whilst hosting a sleepover for children. Her husband, Mark Cain, 45, was arrested and charged with her murder on Tuesday. He appeared before Norwich Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody to appear at King's Lynn Crown Court on Thursday. A court heard that Dr Cain was found in an upstairs bedroom not breathing and unconscious, with a blunt force injury to the right side of her head and an injury suggestive of compression of the neck. Children were present in the property at the time.

A kangaroo has escaped from Saline County Fairgrounds in Missouri. Details of how the animal got loose or its current whereabouts have not been reported.

Israel ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem on Thursday in retaliation for UK sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The UK has threatened to expel one Israeli diplomat for every British diplomat forced to leave, potentially affecting up to 27 Israeli diplomats stationed in London. The consulate, which has operated separately from the main UK embassy since 1838, handles relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell visited Israel last week in an undisclosed attempt to negotiate, but no agreement was reached. Former British consul general Sir Vincent Fean said Israel is acting unlawfully, calling the closure 'not the act of a friend or ally'.

A crash on the M62 has caused significant delays, with four miles of tailbacks and delays of up to 40 minutes reported. Eastbound traffic is affected between Gildersome and Tingley, with congestion building in the area.

Pennsylvania State Police are enforcing a state Supreme Court ruling that unlicensed skill game machines must be treated as slot machines subject to gaming regulations. Businesses have until 14 October to remove the machines entirely, not merely unplug them. Those who fail to comply risk criminal charges.

Robert Kelker-Kelly, best known for playing Bo Brady on the long-running soap Days of Our Lives, died on 3 October at his home in Missouri aged 62. He suffered cardiac arrest and was not breathing when first responders arrived at around 8.16 p.m. Life-saving measures including CPR were attempted but unsuccessful. He had reportedly complained of chest pain before becoming unresponsive. An official cause of death has not been released. Kelker-Kelly starred on Days of Our Lives from 1992 to 1995, appearing in nearly 600 episodes, and also had roles on Another World and General Hospital.

Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot has closed its doors for good, ending more than 50 years of operation at the venue. The owner has confirmed the closure of the long-established nightclub.

The Conservative Party has pledged to scrap Labour's mansion tax if elected to government. Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith called the tax, which will charge up to £7,500 annually on properties valued above £2 million, 'vindictive' and said it would be unaffordable for retired homeowners and those in ordinary homes making long commutes.

An air ambulance flying from Bermuda to Boston has gone missing off Massachusetts with six people on board presumed dead. The passengers include a mother and son from Bermuda, along with four crew members.

A public inquiry into Southport has found that violent content and weapons sales remained available online after being reported. Most of the violent material reported stayed online for at least two weeks.

The Giants defeated a divisional rival to move to 3-1 and take sole possession of first place in the NFC East. Quarterback Jameis Winston referenced his Christian faith after the victory, reading from a biblical verse on his wristband during a post-game interview.

President Trump signed an executive order on Monday allowing the broader use of tax-free red-dyed diesel on highways in an attempt to lower record-high fuel prices ahead of November's midterm elections. Diesel prices had reached roughly $6.50 per gallon in recent weeks, driven by global supply disruptions from wars in Iran and Ukraine. Trump said the move would save truckers over $100 per fill-up and reduce costs for farmers and consumers. The order temporarily waives restrictions on the fuel through the end of 2026 and directs the Treasury to defer federal excise tax collection without interest or penalties. However, experts express scepticism about the measure's effectiveness, noting that red-dyed diesel is rarely available at ordinary petrol stations and that most consumers are unaware of its existence.

A collision on the A591 between Ambleside and Troutbeck caused long traffic delays this evening. No further details were available from the reports.

Donald Trump has blamed Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries and Democratic-led states like California for high US fuel prices. The president's remarks come as tensions with Iran continue and affect global energy markets.

Former England striker Andy Carroll has named Kevin Adams, a former Fame Academy dance instructor, as the person who sexually assaulted him in 2021. Adams, now 59, was sentenced to 20 months in prison in 2023 for the assault.

Luke Littler, aged 19, was knocked out of the World Youth Championship semi-finals after losing 6-5 to fellow Englishman Cam Crabtree. Littler, the two-time world champion, had won all three group games and beaten four opponents to reach the last four, but fell short of adding a second youth title to his 2023 win. Had he succeeded, he would have become the first player to hold both the senior World Championship and World Youth titles simultaneously. Crabtree, ranked world number 68, will face German Jan Schmidt in the final on 29 November, with the winner receiving £15,000. This is Littler's second successive semi-final exit from the youth event, having lost to Beau Greaves in 2025. Littler's participation drew criticism from some analysts and other top players, who questioned the value of his involvement in a tournament designed for players aged 16 to 24.

The Kehler family has farmed in Greeley County for more than a century and now maintains what remains of the Irish settlement of O'Connor.

A Molineux legend known as Thommo has joined the Express & Star Wolves Podcast as part of a new era for the show.

Naturalist Steve Backshall is presenting a show in Nottingham that features Ice Age mammoths, sabre-toothed big cats, giant dinosaurs and snake venom demonstrations.

Billionaires with a combined fortune of £120 billion have departed Britain over the past two years following Labour tax reforms, analysis shows. The departures include steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, who moved to Switzerland and Dubai with his £31 billion fortune, and hedge fund manager Chris Rokos, who relocated to Greece. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index data reveals the exodus followed tax changes including the scrapping of non-dom status and increases to capital gains tax, property taxes and national insurance contributions. However, The Guardian reports that David Reuben, said to have recently moved to Monaco, has been a tax resident there since at least 2014, contradicting claims his departure was prompted by recent Labour policies. Entrepreneurs including Luke Johnson have warned the departures damage the country's finances and ability to attract talent.

A man has alleged he suffered a 'horrifying' ordeal at the hands of nightclub door staff. The alleged attack was discussed at a council licensing hearing, with the man claiming that two staff members grabbed him around the neck, put him in a headlock and removed him roughly from the premises.

A fire on a ship in the Black Sea near Romania has reportedly killed two people, with Ukrainian officials blaming Russian drone attacks. A second attack on a ship off Bulgaria in as many days has raised concerns about Russian hybrid warfare in EU waters as the war in Ukraine continues.

A Belfast solicitor will represent suspected mob boss Daniel Kinahan in an organised crime case. Kinahan was remanded for a week to allow his solicitor to come on record. He had no legal representation at his first court appearance last August.

An inquiry examining the Southport attack heard that 87 per cent of violent material remained online on X, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit and Discord two weeks after users reported it to the platforms. The inquiry is investigating how the internet and social media influence and enable violent-fixated individuals.

A former Cornell student, identified as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit last month alleging she was drugged and gang raped by seven members of Chi Phi fraternity at their house in October 2024. None of the men have been criminally charged, and all deny wrongdoing. The accuser's lawyer says fraternity members held meetings to coordinate a cover story, framing the incident as a consensual orgy; newly emerged video shows some brothers telling investigators the sexual activity was consensual. A bar named in the suit disputes the accuser's claim it served her alcohol while underage. Jane Doe faces intense backlash online, including death threats and attempted doxxing; her lawyers say three other women have been falsely identified and harassed in the process, and a U.S. Marine unconnected to the university had his address wrongly published in court filings, leading to threats against his family.

North Dakota education leaders have proposed a bill that would give teachers an annual bonus to increase retention and recruitment. The STAYS stipend would be funded through the state's Common Schools Trust Fund. The State Superintendent and other legislators announced the proposal.

Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles has demanded answers over a two-car crash at Oldswinford Cross. Dudley Council has confirmed it will immediately review the junction.

Southwest Airlines is adding three nonstop flights from Pittsburgh International Airport next summer: to Savannah, Georgia; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Panama City, Florida, which will be a new destination for the airport.

Wakefield Trinity won the Super League Grand Final. England coach Brian McDermott, who grew up in the city, described the victory as astonishing and unexpected, saying the club can build on the success.

Alan Lagar, 53, from Silloth, has been banned for life from keeping animals after police discovered dead animals, faeces and decay at his home. A court order was issued on 15 September.

Nicole Miller has spoken publicly about escaping her abusive ex-partner Elliot Bulman, who has been imprisoned. She says she wants others in similar situations to know there is always a way to escape and that doing so gave her a chance to rebuild her life.

A person was found dead at a property in Donaldson Court in Diglis on 27 July, having lain undiscovered for weeks. Housing association Citizen has responded to concerns about the case.

Work has started on The Parchments scheme in Oxton Village, Wirral, which will deliver 30 social-rent homes. The £7m project, supported by Homes England, is being developed by Magenta Living and is expected to complete by January 2028. These are the first new social homes to be built in Oxton for over a decade.

A small plane crashed in a field near Yuma on Monday morning, and the pilot was taken to hospital. The extent of the injuries was not reported.

Police conducted raids on two cannabis farms across the West Midlands. Officers found more than 100 plants at an address in Coventry on Monday, 5 October, leading to the arrest of two men in their 20s. In a separate operation on Tuesday, 6 October, around 200 plants were discovered at a property in Wolverhampton, resulting in the arrest of a 49-year-old man. Both were detained on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

JJ Gabriel, a 16-year-old Manchester United academy player, is expected to leave the club despite featuring in the official first-team squad photo released on Monday. The photo was taken on 8 September, before Gabriel and his family formally requested his departure days later. Multiple attempts by United to reconcile the situation have been unsuccessful. Gabriel is eligible to sign with European clubs now that he has turned 16 and can obtain an EU passport through his parents. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have all expressed interest in signing him, with Bayern Munich recently holding talks with his representatives. According to reports, Gabriel's family felt the club had broken promises regarding playing time, having requested he play at least 20 minutes in matches against Sabah, Brighton and Bournemouth. United remains determined to retain Gabriel and has indicated it would consider legal action if evidence of illegal inducement by another club emerged.

A 22-year-old Alabama man was arrested in Robeson County, North Carolina, after admitting to a Columbus County sheriff's captain that he killed his wife. He had fled to North Carolina with two children.

Northern Ireland has become the first part of the UK to provide thrombectomy, an emergency stroke treatment, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for its entire population. The service previously operated only between 8am and 5pm. A stroke survivor, a PSNI detective who became permanently disabled after falling ill in 2015, hailed the launch as a 'wonderful day for NI'.

Around 10,000 litres of water were used to tackle a fire in rural North Yorkshire. The fire service response is reported by local outlets, though further details of the incident are not provided.

Daryl Mayhew, 59, a retired RAF officer from Hertfordshire, has been killed in a parasailing accident off Malta. He and his wife Dawn, 60, were parasailing near St Julian's on 19 September when strong winds reportedly caused them to plummet into the sea. His wife suffered serious injuries.

Arsenal's Max Dowman has withdrawn from England Under-19 duty with a contact injury that is not thought to be serious. The 16-year-old had featured in three matches during the international break against Ireland, Norway and the United States, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He missed England's match against Belgium, which the side lost 1-0.

Kirk Carter has been jailed for five years and seven months for using Instagram to supply pink cocaine, MDMA and ketamine on Merseyside. An investigation found Carter had more than 1,000 followers on his dedicated Instagram account.

Bus services 12 and 13 in a Birmingham suburb were diverted following a police incident. Passengers were advised to allow extra time for their journeys. The services have since returned to their normal routes.

Ají, a five-in-one food, drink and wellness destination, has officially opened in Ilkley. The venue combines multiple hospitality and wellbeing concepts under one roof.

Actor Alan Alda has revealed that an unusual sleep habit was his first symptom of Parkinson's disease, rather than the typical tremors or stiffness. The 90-year-old explained in an interview with CBS Mornings that subtle signs preceded his diagnosis. Alda has said he copes with the condition through humour and acceptance, describing it as 'just a hobby' he lives with.

More than 2,000 residents have signed an open letter backing a doctor-led Urgent Treatment Centre at St Cross in Rugby. The local MP has called for the expansion, arguing Rugby cannot keep relying on Coventry's A&E department.

US stocks opened mostly higher as investors digested economic data and monitored government bond yields. Treasury yields and oil prices both declined, with investors watching upcoming technology earnings, though one report noted stocks opening lower as oil and bond yields drew attention.

A motorcyclist died in a crash on North Broadway in Minot on Sunday night. KXNET reports the victim was a 21-year-old from Florida.

Cambridgeshire will receive £4.4 million in Government funding for crime victims and support services. Thousands of crime victims across the county will benefit from the investment.

The Pacific nation of Tuvalu will host presidents and prime ministers to demonstrate the effects of rising sea levels ahead of major climate talks. The event aims to highlight the starkest impacts of climate change on the island nation.

Representatives from major AI developers OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and Microsoft have travelled to Australia. They face parliamentary scrutiny over safety and copyright concerns.

The head of Australia's largest customer-owned bank has noticed a slowdown in the housing market but says his institution is well-positioned to weather it. Home buyers appear to be adopting a cautious approach as they assess the direction of the market.

A man suffered a serious head injury in an assault on St Nicholas Street in Worcester city centre at around 2am on Sunday, September 6. Police have released images as part of their investigation into the attack.

A 24-year-old woman, named as Aisha Kempson, died in a three-car crash on the A92 near Luthrie in Fife at about 01:00. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident. The road was closed for nearly 24 hours following the crash.

A Grade II-listed hotel overlooking Scarborough's North Bay is seeking approval for a series of improvements, including the installation of electric vehicle charging points for guests.

Children's YouTube entertainer Ms Rachel has called out celebrities she says are 'doing nothing' amid the Gaza conflict in a social media post. She accused high-profile figures of remaining silent on the issue.

A 29-year-old Sioux Falls man was arrested Sunday after police say he assaulted a victim at a Sioux Falls residence in the western part of the city. According to the Sioux Falls Police Department, the man, named by one outlet as Andjelo Luccean, took the victim's phone to prevent them from calling for help. Police received a call around 2.45pm on Sunday.

A driver and dog died when an Audi crashed into a parked car on the A470 in Powys, with both vehicles catching fire. Police are investigating the incident and appealing for witnesses.

Wiltshire Council is consulting on a permanent ban for heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes on Lyneham Banks, a rural road dubbed the UK's 'wonkiest road'. The proposal follows concerns about landslips on the route. The council is seeking responses to the ban until 2 November. The restriction would apply to several rural roads in the area, with the 7.5-tonne weight limit targeting larger HGVs while allowing lighter commercial vehicles through.

A Burnley man, Murray James Blay, has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after failing to seek veterinary treatment for his dog Bonnie. The dog suffered from chronic skin and ear conditions for a month. Blay did not provide the necessary medical care despite the animal's painful conditions.

Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has attracted interest from Juventus and Atletico Madrid following a slow start to the season. The 24-year-old, signed from Chelsea for £52 million last year, has made just two Premier League appearances so far, both from the bench, and has not started a league match this term. Madueke was also omitted from Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad. The two European clubs are understood to be monitoring his situation and could potentially pursue a move in the January transfer window.

The FTSE outperformed European peers as political and fiscal concerns in Europe kept bond yields elevated and weighed on the euro.

Scottish rock band Twin Atlantic have cancelled their upcoming UK tour following the release of their new album Separation From The Animals on Friday. The band said making and self-producing the record had taken a personal toll they had not experienced before, and they are taking time to pause rather than proceeding with shows including dates in Glasgow and Dundee later this month. They hope time at home with their families will eventually allow them to return.

An annual peace rally has relocated to Oxford city centre at short notice because of heightened security at US military bases.

Myleene Klass has confirmed she will not participate in Hear'Say's reunion shows, which the band is organising to mark 25 years since their debut album. Klass said bandmates included her in discussions about the reunion.

The International Criminal Court on Monday unsealed arrest warrants for four senior Taliban officials accused of crimes against humanity. The warrants target Taliban Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, Supreme Court Chief Abdul Hakim Haqqani, Education Minister Habibullah Agha and Higher Education Minister Neda Mohammad Nadim. They are accused of persecuting women, girls and people not conforming to Taliban gender policies through policies that have barred girls over 12 from school, excluded women from higher education and restricted women's access to work and public spaces. The court said the alleged crimes, linked to murder, imprisonment, torture, rape and enforced disappearance, occurred in Afghanistan from the Taliban's takeover in August 2021 until at least January 2025.

Lena Martell, the first solo Scottish female singer to top the UK charts, has died aged 86. Tributes have been paid to the Glasgow singer, who is recalled as having a big voice and stage presence.

A school was placed on lockdown after a man was reportedly seen with a blade. A significant police presence remains in the area.

Goodbody, Ireland's longest-established stockbroking firm, has completed its acquisition of Legacy Wealth Management, a Belfast wealth management firm with £680m in client assets. The deal strengthens Goodbody's presence in Northern Ireland.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has opened applications for on-call firefighters. The role offers flexible opportunities to learn new skills and respond to local emergencies.

The West Virginia Department of Transportation has announced the first major construction phase of the Interstate 64 Fort Hill Bridge rehabilitation project. Work on crossovers is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 6 October, in preparation for lane closures planned for January 2027.

A 59-year-old delivery driver died of a heart attack at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in the early hours of the day his bypass graft surgery was scheduled. He had been transferred from Preston hospital for the procedure. An inquest heard the circumstances of his death, and changes are being made at the hospital following the incident.

DUP MP Carla Lockhart has been given security protection because of abuse she has received over the Drumcree parading dispute, activist Jamie Bryson has said. Lockhart said the abuse has affected her family, including her seven-year-old son. Those behind the abuse should face responsibility, Bryson stated.

Karl-Anthony Towns, who helped the New York Knicks win the NBA championship in 2026, is in stalled contract negotiations with the team. The Knicks have offered him a four-year deal worth approximately $200 million, but Towns became eligible for a four-year extension worth $277 million in August. Though Towns has said he is willing to take a discount, he believes the Knicks' offer does not adequately value his contribution to the title run. Speaking before the Knicks' preseason opener on Monday, Towns said the talks "don't look good" and that none of the conditions he wants—to keep the team together, work with the Knicks, and be valued—are close to happening.

Pittsburgh Penguins rookie goaltender Sergei Murashov made his season debut in a home game against the Winnipeg Jets on Monday, but the Penguins lost. Murashov, aged 22, did not offer an assessment of his performance after the match.

Amazon is launching a rapid delivery service in Perth, promising to deliver orders to customers' doorsteps in as little as five hours. The service will be available to Amazon Prime members in the city.

A crash has forced the closure of a stretch of the M4 motorway. The Gazette & Herald and Swindon Advertiser report nine miles of congestion have resulted from the incident.

A driver was jailed after attempting to ram armed police officers outside a gymnasium in the West Midlands. No officers were injured during the incident.

Newcastle United have introduced a new logo for St James' Park to accompany a new club crest. The club's marketing chief has addressed the changes, though the alterations have divided supporter opinion.

Sir Peter Mathieson, principal of the University of Edinburgh, has announced he will step down in 2028 and will not seek a third term. The announcement came at a meeting of the university court. Union leaders welcomed the news, saying it reflects pressure from ongoing strike action.

Over 109,000 people have signed a parliamentary petition urging the Government to protect legal rights for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Residents across several areas including Basingstoke, North West Hampshire and Winchester have added their names to the campaign.

Essex has produced and become home to a number of well-known celebrity names. The county's five most Wikipedia-searched celebrities in 2026 have been identified.

The Cage, a historic lock-up in St Osyth, Essex, described as one of England's most haunted houses, will open for overnight stays from November 2026. Amy's Crypt is operating the accommodation offering.

Lidl opened a new store in Great Dunmow on October 8, creating up to 40 jobs. Iceland's Food Warehouse opened in Basildon on October 13, creating 20 jobs, with £1,500 in vouchers for the first 150 customers. McDonald's opened a new restaurant in Witham on October 7, creating around 100 jobs.

Gas company Cadent will replace more than 1,000 metres of ageing gas pipes in Saffron Walden starting October 12. The work will take 11 weeks and require multiple road closures and traffic management measures.

Charly Mateo, then aged 37, was sacked by British Airways in July 2024 after allegations he made vulgar comments to a female colleague and invaded her privacy during a flight. An employment tribunal in Reading awarded him £30,000. The airline had dismissed him four months after the incident was reported.

HMS Trincomalee, a historic warship at Royal Navy Museums in Hartlepool, is being turned into a haunted attraction for Halloween. The museum is staging family events including ghost stories, performances and Halloween scares.

Lena Martell, a Glasgow-born singer and television host, has died aged 86. She was the first solo Scottish female singer to top the UK singles chart, with the song 'One Day at a Time'. She died at a nursing home near Glasgow and continued to receive fan mail there.

The US Supreme Court heard arguments in a climate lawsuit brought by Boulder, Colorado against oil companies. The justices questioned whether cities and states should be able to sue Big Oil over the global issue of warming. The court will not issue an opinion for several months.

A 22-year-old man from Ballymena has been jailed for attacking police officers with a petrol bomb during disorder in the town in June 2025. He was identified during the rioting and received a two-year sentence.

Michelle Pearson died in hospital aged 37, holding photographs of four of her children who were murdered in a petrol bomb attack on their home in Walkden, Salford in December 2017. She died in August 2019, more than a year and a half after the attack, from complications of severe burns covering 68 per cent of her body. Her family placed a crucifix in her hand as she died.

An investigator for the Arizona Attorney General's Office has been charged with negligent homicide following the death of a mother of seven in Mesa earlier this year. No further details about the circumstances of the death have been provided.

Windy Harbour Holiday Park in Blackpool has won a prestigious VisitEngland Rose Award. The award recognises the passion, care and attention to detail of Park Manager Shelley Jones and her team in creating guest experiences.

West Midlands residents are being urged to sign up to a 'Switch Together' scheme designed to help them save money on energy bills. The scheme allows residents to collectively switch energy suppliers to achieve better rates.

McDonald's is defending plans for a new restaurant in the West Midlands against local opposition. Some residents have argued that the proposed restaurant could impact the area's independent character. The company has not disclosed further details in the provided reporting.

A swastika has been sprayed onto a mural celebrating UFC fighter Tom Aspinall in Atherton. The Wigan borough MP condemned the vandalism, calling it 'utterly disgusting' and saying it has no place in the community.

A Turkish-owned grain ship caught fire and sank in Romania's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea on Monday, killing two people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian drones caused the incident, though Romanian authorities did not confirm the cause. Eleven crew members were rescued.

Telford and District Light Operatic Players, an award-winning amateur dramatics charity, will perform Disney's Frozen the Musical at The Edge Arts Centre in Much Wenlock from 22 to 24 October. The production brings the enchanting story to Shropshire with involvement from college students.

A volunteer firefighter in Monroeville has been charged with vehicular homicide after a crash that killed another driver. According to police, the firefighter was speeding while responding to an emergency call when the collision occurred. The firefighter turned himself in to authorities.

The Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 45-24 on Monday Night Football, with running back Bijan Robinson rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was efficient with 223 passing yards and a touchdown. The Falcons never trailed and controlled the line of scrimmage, outgaining the Saints 207 yards to 50 on the ground. The victory improved Atlanta to 2-2 while New Orleans fell to 1-3.

The government plans to demolish a Walsall school built in the 1950s due to widespread defects. The nature of the defects and next steps have not been detailed.

Wycombe Hospital's urgent treatment centre is to pilot an expansion, offering up to 30 additional appointments each weekday and potentially staying open until 10pm under a proposed trial aimed at seeing more patients in person.

A new off-licence in Bilston has been approved despite objections from Robin 2, a local music venue, which warned it could lead to increased street-drinking. The venue said approving another late-night alcohol shop was a 'bad look' and would undermine £20 million plans to improve the town.

Nigel Farage visited Redcar as part of Reform UK's campaign to defend the state pension triple lock, sharing afternoon tea with pensioners. TeessideLive reports that Farage said pensioners feel 'fearful' and are not being treated fairly, and that Reform UK would make a 'serious go' at winning more councillors in local elections next May.

Riverside Spice, an Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant in Earls Colne, Essex, has won the Editor's Choice Restaurant 2026 award at the Curry Life Awards. The accolade recognises the restaurant's cuisine and contribution to the curry dining sector.

Yemeni government forces have secured effective control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to Yemen's information minister. Houthi rebels have rejected this claim.

Rohan Rane, an Indian national, went on trial behind closed doors in Paris on Monday, accused of leading a neo-Nazi child exploitation ring that operated via Discord. Investigators say he coerced young girls into performing sexual acts online.

A man carrying a baby was bitten and assaulted during an incident on a London train. British Transport Police are investigating and looking to speak to a man in connection with the attack.

Norwich City Council's Green leaders are under pressure to reassure Jewish residents following the Green Party's vote declaring Zionism a form of racism. The party is split over the controversial motion, with some members distancing themselves while others, including Norwich Green Amber Smith, have publicly supported it.

A waste centre in Romsey, Hampshire, is to close for a month while essential safety improvements are carried out.

Staffordshire Police arrested 18 people and seized £5,000 in an operation on the M6 motorway targeting organised immigration crime. The operation involved the Home Office Immigration Enforcement and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. BirminghamLive reports that 66 vehicles were pulled over during the crackdown.

Former England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward addressed business leaders at a Cumbrian conference, sharing insights on high-performance teams. The World Cup winner inspired the assembled business leaders with his expertise.

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary has dogs available for adoption. The Chorley Guardian reports 13 dogs are seeking new homes, while the Burnley Express reports 15.

Scotland lost 2-1 to Slovenia in a Nations League match at Hampden Park on Tuesday. The defeat exposed defensive frailties, with several players receiving low ratings. Manager Pocognoli is considering changes and demanding greater attacking threat in upcoming fixtures.

Daniil Medvedev was defaulted from his China Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic after hitting a ball that struck a spectator in the front row in the face. The Russian was trailing 7–5, 5–3 when, after a Djokovic winner, the ball bounced off the advertising boards back towards Medvedev, who smacked a backhand into the stands. The spectator clutched his left eye and was helped from the arena. Chair umpire Mohammed Lahyani defaulted Medvedev, who did not protest the decision. Medvedev apologised, saying he was 'terribly sorry' and that it was entirely accidental. Djokovic said he felt sorry for Medvedev and hoped the spectator was not badly injured. Medvedev forfeited all ranking points and prize money from the tournament.

Travel booking data reveals optimal times to purchase plane tickets for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Both outlets report that booking at certain points saves money as airfares rise during the festive season.

James Wolfe Primary School in Greenwich is investigating an incident in which a child allegedly ran away from the school during breakfast club.

A 71-year-old cyclist died after colliding with an off-leash Golden Retriever on a Central Park roadway near East 84th Street. He was thrown from his bike and later died from his injuries.

Aaron Purewal, 32, has been jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of 10 charges following an earlier trial. He has been described as dangerous and violent.

A mysterious sign promising 'something exciting' has appeared at the former Superdry shop in Ipswich's Buttermarket shopping centre. The details of what will occupy the unit remain under wraps.

Young artists from across East Sussex have been celebrated at the Emerging Sussex: Curious Minds exhibition. East Sussex College students were among those collecting awards and opportunities at the event.

Twelve people were arrested at a protest in Gosport, Hampshire, on Sunday evening over the arrival of people by small boat. A man from Bognor Regis and two people from Emsworth were among those arrested. They have since been bailed and remain under investigation.

Volunteer officers and cadets in Hampshire have been honoured at an awards ceremony for their dedication to policing and public safety. Police said the volunteers' knowledge, skills and support continue to have a lasting effect across the force.

Glasgow's Armistice and Remembrance commemorations will go ahead in George Square on November 8, though the square's south side may remain closed. Glasgow City Council is working to reopen the square by the end of October or early November, but road closures will remain to allow new stone surfaces to cure. Councillor Stephen Docherty expressed concern that delays would disappoint the hundreds of veterans and members of the public attending the events honouring Armistice Day.

West Sussex County Council is trialling AI-powered dashboard cameras to identify and record road defects across the county. The council says the technology will streamline highways inspections.

Two people died and several others were injured on Monday morning when a school bus carrying 39 people flipped onto its roof during a multi-vehicle crash in Winter Haven, central Florida. The bus was travelling to Winter Haven High School at about 6:15 a.m. when an oncoming white Chevy Malibu crossed the centre line and struck the rear wheels of the bus, ripping off a tyre. The impact sent the bus careening into an oncoming silver Jeep, which caught fire. A 10th-grade girl on the bus and the Jeep driver were killed. Between five and seven people were taken to hospital with trauma injuries, with one in critical condition. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described it as 'the most horrific bus tragedy we've had in decades'.

Two masked men sprayed a Post Office worker in the face with what is believed to have been barbecue lighter fluid during a robbery in Lancaster and stole what police describe as a significant amount of cash. The worker was taken to hospital following the attack. Police are hunting the two men.

A man was taken into custody by the Nebraska State Patrol after posting bond in connection with a fatal crash in Douglas County on Sunday. New court documents have emerged as authorities handle the case of the man accused in the incident.

A main road through a York suburb has closed for water works to repair a damaged sewer. The closure is expected to last five days.

A vehicle collided with a block of flats in Aylesbury, causing residents to be evacuated from their homes. The Bucks Free Press reports the crash caused significant structural damage and prompted a major emergency response. Police enforced a road closure at the scene.

Charges against a grandfather in an Ohio case involving 16 children have been dropped by a judge. The children were found living in conditions described as severe, with one outlet reporting that local authorities were concerned about the cost of his medical care.

Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on traffic and air quality from the redevelopment of the former Shoreham Cement Works site.

Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goalscorer with 929 goals, announced Monday that the 2026-27 season will be his final year playing for the Washington Capitals. The 41-year-old Russian made the announcement to his teammates in the locker room, saying he and his family made the decision over the summer. Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's previous goalscoring record in April 2025 and signed a one-year contract to return this season. He led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2017-18 and has spent his entire 22-season NHL career with Washington. He expressed his love for the game but said retiring was 'the right decision' and hopes to make this final season special with his team.

A woman was sexually assaulted on a train travelling from Glasgow to Kilmarnock at about 20:30 on Thursday. A man was arrested and released under investigation. British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses and information.

The RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal for adopters in Hertfordshire to help rescue animals in need across the county.

Twelve men have been arrested in Ho Chi Minh City after allegedly stealing and selling approximately 2,700 cats for meat. Police identified 39-year-old Luu Thanh Binh as the alleged leader. The suspects allegedly operated at night, using motorbikes to trap four to 10 cats each night in residential areas, using fish as bait.

Preston ranks among the UK's cheapest areas for fuel, with petrol averaging 171.21p per litre, 3.76p below the national average. The RAC motoring group reports that UK diesel prices have risen above £2 a litre for the first time.

The Saints and Falcons are fighting for the NFC South lead on Monday, with the Saints favored by 1½ points. The contest also carries rivalry bragging rights.

Emergency services are dealing with an incident between Eastbourne and Polegate in East Sussex. Southern Rail has suspended all services between the two stations. The Chichester Observer reports that a safety inspection of track near Berwick took place, disrupting trains running from Eastbourne to Lewes.

A man was arrested after his car crashed into a garden wall in Leeds during a police pursuit. He was detained on suspicion of dangerous driving and a drug-driving offence. The Huddersfield Examiner reports he subsequently sang in the street in front of onlookers.

The UK government is introducing contactless eGates at airports from 6 October that use live photo checks against passport and immigration data rather than requiring physical passport scanning. The system will be rolled out across 13 UK airports including Birmingham and East Midlands, with all eGates upgraded by early 2027. Testing shows the technology is up to 25 per cent faster than traditional passport scanning.

Parish leaders in Bibury, Gloucestershire, known as 'England's prettiest village', are installing fencing along a river bank to protect wildlife from tourists entering the water. The Mirror reports that some residents have become concerned about changes in tourist behaviour since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Benjamin Satterley, who performed as Pac in AEW, was found dead in a rental car in Des Plaines, Illinois on 27 September at around 4pm. A police report obtained this week states that saliva was visible on his shirt and medication was found in the vehicle. Google Maps on his phone indicated he was heading to O'Hare Airport. Satterley had performed at AEW All Out the previous night and was travelling to return to the United Kingdom. Police found no suspicious marks or signs of foul play. The cause of death remains unclear.

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale is live until 7 October, offering discounts on thousands of products across tech, home, beauty and fashion for Prime members. Apple products including AirPods Pro 3 at £179 (down from £249), MacBook Air laptops, iPads and Apple Watches are discounted, along with Amazon devices such as Echo speakers and Kindle e-readers. Wired reports that Amazon raised prices across its device categories in August, meaning some current discounts represent less of a saving than previous sales. Nintendo Switch 2 games including Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Mario Tennis Fever are at record-low prices in the US. Other deals include TVs from Samsung and Sony, and a four-month free trial of Amazon Music for new Prime subscribers and existing members.

A house is for sale at Celtic Close in Cleadon. The property is described as being in a desirable position, close to fields and within the catchment area for highly regarded schools.

Researchers have found what may be the first observational evidence of a planet forming around a white dwarf, the collapsed remnant of a dying star. The planet, HS0209+0832b, orbits a white dwarf about 270 light-years from Earth and appears to be made of similar chemical materials to the star, suggesting it formed after the star's death. Scientists call it a 'phoenix planet', named after the mythological bird that rises from its own ashes.

A 100-year-old Polish World War Two veteran has unveiled a blue plaque commemorating a former Polish military camp in Oxfordshire. The plaque marks the site of the camp where Polish forces were stationed during the war.

The owners of the Fisons site in Paper Mill Lane, Bramford, have been ordered to demolish the structure. A historian who campaigned for the site's preservation for a decade has reflected on its historical significance.

Christian Horner's net worth has been revealed as speculation surrounds a potential return to Formula One. The Red Bull team principal has accumulated substantial wealth during his time with the team.

Taskmaster hosts Greg Davies and Alex Horne are bringing their comedy show to the UK stage for the first time. The pair will perform at the AO Arena on 26 May, followed by a show at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on 22 June.

Nearly 1,800 students, staff, parents and residents at Archbishop Holgate's School in York took part in a 7 Til 7 challenge, raising £5,500 for life-changing causes. The event was inspired by Sir Kevin Sinfield.

York has seen a drop in both visits to tourist attractions and city centre footfall so far this year, according to figures released for the first half of 2026.

An Oxfordshire train station is set to increase its car parking charges, amid efforts to provide more spaces at the station.

Leeds Bradford Airport has unveiled a high-tech security hub designed to cut queues and increase capacity at the facility.

A car park is set to close for six months in an effort to reduce antisocial behaviour and improve safety in the area.

TV auctioneer Charles Hanson is hosting a free antiques valuation at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire on October 9. Members of the public can bring items to be valued.

Oxfordshire is set to approve a £24 million new special education needs school in Didcot this week. Separately, Oxfordshire County Council has secured government approval for a nearly £5 million SEND reform plan.

Plans to build 42 new homes in a village have prompted warnings from residents that they are 'running out of room'. The development has raised concerns about the impact on the local community.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican candidate for Senate, was recorded at a fundraiser saying he has never felt less control over a campaign, with decisions coming from Washington DC rather than from him. He told the audience: 'I don't control message or what we're doing.' His campaign adviser said Paxton was referring to super PACs, which cannot legally coordinate directly with candidates. Paxton faces a competitive race against Democrat James Talarico.

Chiltern Railways expects to maintain a near-normal service during strikes by the RMT union on 10 and 17 October. The strikes are linked to a staffing dispute over the East West Rail line. The company says most of its trains will not be affected by the action.

Denmark's government confirmed a breach of its Central Person Register (CPR), a database of citizen information, affecting approximately 8 to 8.8 million people. The stolen data includes names, addresses and Danish national registry numbers. The database contains records for more people than Denmark's population of six million because it includes deceased people and those who have emigrated. Hackers gained access by abusing legitimate login credentials of a Danish company that had authorised access to the CPR system. The breach occurred in September but was discovered on 2 October. Danish digital affairs minister Christina Egelund described it as an 'extremely serious incident'. Authorities have not identified the hackers but said the means of access has been cut off.

An Antrim man has been jailed for drug offences after being caught using EncroChat, an encrypted phone network used by organised crime gangs. Desmond Enfield, 43, from Moneyreagh, was arrested in November 2021 during a search of his home. Police found numerous messages on his encrypted phone regarding the supply of cocaine and cannabis, along with references to drug collection and cash amounts. He was sentenced at Craigavon Crown Court in October for multiple drug offences and received a four-year and six-month sentence, with half to be served in prison. Enfield's case formed part of Operation Venetic, a European-wide operation led by the National Crime Agency that successfully infiltrated the EncroChat network.

Travis Kelce celebrated his 37th birthday with Taylor Swift at Torrisi, an upscale restaurant in SoHo, New York, on Monday night. Swift was in the city to attend Dakota Johnson's Saturday Night Live hosting appearance while Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs team played in Nevada.

An independent supermarket chain in North Yorkshire has closed after 78 years in operation. The BBC reports that Tesco acquired three of the chain's Scarborough stores. The business has now ceased trading.

The City of Huntington announced plans to use a federal grant to combat homelessness. Huntington is one of eight communities that received $12 million in funding, to be distributed over four years through a new programme.

Sainsbury's held early-stage talks with supermarket rival Morrisons about a potential merger earlier this year, according to reports. The discussions are described as being at an early stage.

An army aircraft has crashed in southwestern Nigeria carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members. A search and rescue operation has been launched.

Benjamin Day, a University of Worcester student, has admitted to murdering Maria Saceanu, a 24-year-old sex worker, at an Airbnb in Oldbury after changing his plea during his trial. Day initially denied the killing but later changed his plea to guilty.

A school bus flipped over during a multivehicle crash in central Florida on Monday morning, killing a 10th grade student and the driver of another vehicle. The bus was carrying nearly 40 people and was struck by an oncoming car on its way to a high school. Several other people were injured in the crash.

Police have increased patrols near a school in South Yorkshire after receiving a report of a man acting suspiciously. The force has not released further details about the incident.

Ashton-in-Makerfield town centre regeneration is running significantly behind schedule, now expected to continue into 2027 rather than the originally planned 10 months. Two way traffic is set to return to Gerard Street in December, though other aspects of the project face further delays.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has been reduced in price and is now cheaper than the Apple Watch SE 3. TechRadar reports the 40mm Bluetooth-only model costs £219 at Currys, down from £269. Meanwhile, Apple Watch discounts are available during Amazon Prime Day, with the SE 3 starting at £199.99 in the UK and $199.99 in the US.

Matlock Town's manager has resigned following abuse from supporters, prompting the club's owner to consider selling. Both the manager and owner have released statements on the matter.

Russia carried out what its defence ministry called a 'massive strike' on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities on Wednesday, killing at least 19 civilians including four children, according to Ukrainian officials. The New York Post reported 60 people were wounded. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired 70 missiles, many ballistic, and drones at civilian infrastructure. A residential building in Pryluky in the Chernihiv region was destroyed, killing at least 13 people including four children. The attack coincided with Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched what Moscow said was a strike involving nearly 900 drones across multiple Russian regions overnight, killing two people in the Moscow region, according to Russian officials. War blogger Yuri Podolyaka reported a Ukrainian drone hit a fuel storage tank at Volodarskaya, Moscow's largest oil distribution facility, though there was no official confirmation.

Dudley residents received more than £714m in benefits in the year to March 2026, ranking 52nd out of 318 authorities for welfare spending. BirminghamLive reports that a pressure group has called for tough action to reduce the burden on taxpayers.

The operations manager and team at Cut and Craft in Leeds have discovered an engraved matchbox dating back more than 100 years that belonged to Wallace Hartley, the violinist who played on the Titanic. The find has shed new light on the venue's past.

Kimberley Newark, 31, went to Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, at 34 weeks pregnant with severe abdominal pain. Doctors mistook the condition for trapped wind, but she was later found to have lost about 11 litres of blood from a ruptured artery. The baby subsequently died.

Michael Douglas has discussed his brief 2013 separation from Catherine Zeta-Jones in a new memoir, saying he "never gave up hope" of reconciliation and that "marriage is a lot of work". The actor also reveals that when Zeta-Jones agreed to date him seriously, she insisted on monogamy and he ended relationships with five other women in a single day of phone calls.

Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas cycled approximately 420 kilometres (260 miles) from Malaysia to Singapore for this weekend's Grand Prix, avoiding a short flight. The Finnish driver started his journey shortly after crashing out of Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix, which was held at Sepang in Malaysia, and completed the off-road route by Wednesday afternoon. Bottas travelled with his partner Tiffany Cromwell, a professional cyclist from Australia, and needed to arrive by Thursday for his media commitments.

A Washington family has filed an emergency Supreme Court application, through the Alliance Defending Freedom, seeking an injunction after their daughter allegedly faced a male athlete in wrestling. The family's request comes as Washington state prepares to vote on Initiative 638 on 3 November, which would ban biological males from competing in girls' K-12 sports if passed. The state's education officials have said they will not change the current policy allowing transgender athletes to compete by gender identity while the Supreme Court application is pending.

Katie Price and Suella Braverman are among celebrities participating in a celebrity version of Channel 4's Handcuffed, which pairs people with opposing views or different backgrounds and chains them together for 24 hours to win a cash prize. The Evening Standard reports the series will also feature a former professional footballer handcuffed to a drag star.

Zion Teasley, 25, pleaded guilty to murdering Lauren Heike, 29, a hiker found dead with 15 stab wounds on a trail in north Phoenix in 2023. Under a plea deal, he will serve life in prison and prosecutors have withdrawn their pursuit of the death penalty. Police said the attack was random; the two did not know each other.

A charity has secured council approval to operate an alcohol rehabilitation centre from a former care home in Chapel Allerton, Leeds.

A jury has been sworn in a trial of six men accused of the murder of Keighley father-of-two Suhail Choudry in a targeted attack.