Wednesday, 7 October 2026

The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration on Wednesday, seeking to block ads promoting the president that have cost taxpayers more than $12m. The ads, which include material recycled from Trump's 2024 campaign, violate federal law banning government funds for propaganda, the DNC argues. Trump said on Monday he would pay for future ads through his super PAC but has not reimbursed taxpayers for what has been spent, and ads continue to air marked 'Paid for by the U.S. Government'. The White House describes them as public service announcements, not campaign advertising.

Samsung Electronics has forecast record third-quarter operating profit of 107.4 trillion won (approximately $80 billion), marking the first time the world's largest memory-chip maker has surpassed 100 trillion won in a single quarter. The surge, up 782 per cent from a year earlier, is driven by booming demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence data centres. Samsung shares dropped 0.7 per cent on Thursday despite the record forecast, with analysts noting that expectations within the AI sector have become extremely demanding. The company expects its latest folding smartphones, launched in August, to provide additional support to earnings. Samsung is expected to publish full third-quarter results later this month.

Perth has experienced heavy rain, isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds after a cold front moved across Western Australia overnight. Drivers have been warned about conditions.

Residents of Noonan in northwest North Dakota have been placed under a boil water advisory following a water main break. City leadership says a loss of pressure during repairs may have allowed the water supply to become contaminated. The city is flushing the system and sending samples to the state laboratory.

Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with Arsenal until 2030 making him the Premier League's highest-paid manager on approximately £20m per year. The deal gives Arteta greater financial power than most managers have previously enjoyed, with no player at the club earning more than him. Bukayo Saka is understood to be the club's highest-paid player on £18m per year.

Actress Mia Goth has filed for divorce from actor Shia LaBeouf nearly 10 years after they married. The two actors had been together for the decade since their wedding.

A deadly motorcycle crash closed southbound Interstate 17 near Camp Verde in central Arizona on Wednesday afternoon. The road was later reopened.

Police seized 100 pounds of fentanyl during a routine traffic stop in Eloy, Arizona, according to the state's Department of Public Safety. The discovery was made as part of a standard vehicle check.

Alumni and students of a Missouri Historically Black University have filed a civil rights lawsuit alleging the state underfunded the school by over 300 million dollars. The case centres on the state's treatment of its Historically Black land-grant university.

Penn-Trafford, ranked No. 2 and unbeaten at 6-0, visit Fox Chapel on Friday evening. Fox Chapel have won one game this season, dropping their last five matches. Penn-Trafford quarterback Ben Grabowski has completed 42 of 65 passes for 796 yards and 12 touchdowns, whilst receiver Nick Ponko has 22 catches for 384 yards and 19 touchdowns. Fox Chapel trail 0-6 in the series, including five playoff losses.

An Italian tourist was stopped on US-89 in Arizona for driving a Ford Escape at 121mph in a 65mph zone, according to the state's Department of Public Safety. A DPS trooper made the stop.

A federal appeals court has ruled that an Atlanta family cannot take the federal government to trial for a mistaken FBI raid on their home in 2017. The decision prevents the family from pursuing a lawsuit against the government over the incident.

Former US Open golf champion Corey Pavin announced on Instagram that his wife Lisa's cancer 'never went away completely' despite completing chemotherapy in February. She is now undergoing CAR-T cell therapy at the Mayo Clinic. Pavin did not disclose the type of cancer Lisa, 52, is battling.

Britney Spears, 44, visited Dollywood with her sons Sean and Jayden, posting a photo on social media of herself standing between them. The New York Post reports the outing represents a reconnection following her DUI arrest in March.

A Nebraska state trooper, two state transportation workers and bystanders rescued a driver from a burning semi on Interstate 80 near Gothenburg on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Nebraska State Patrol. The driver was trapped in the vehicle when the rescue took place.

California's State Athletic Commission has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Robot Entertainment Kombat, the company that hosted a human-versus-robot cage match in San Francisco on September 18th. The fight pitted influencer Frankie LaPenna against a humanoid robot piloted by a human operator using a remote virtual-reality system. The commission ordered the company to stop holding such fights without prior approval, as required by California business code. The company's next scheduled fight, set for October 9th, will feature two robots facing each other instead.

Australia's Coalition party says the country needs access to cutting-edge US AI models to protect itself against both external threats and risks from the technology itself. The party argues such a deal is necessary for national security.

Mister Brown, a motivator from the Choose Well Program, visited Renberg Elementary School on Wednesday and Hawthorne Elementary on Thursday in Sioux Falls. The schools had anticipated his arrival for weeks. Brown, who has worked with students, parents and educators for over three decades, told students that connection rather than information alone drives transformation.

Victoria has been struck by another significant earthquake days after experiencing its largest quake in years. Residents reported feeling their houses shake and described the sensation as resembling 'a train rumbling past'.

Lansing police are investigating whether five deaths of unhoused men along a stretch of the River Trail may be connected to a single killer. The victims, aged between 22 and 70, were all homeless. Four died from blunt force trauma to the head; one was stabbed. Police believe attacks occurred in early morning hours when victims were sleeping or lying down.

A lawsuit against the state of Missouri was filed on Wednesday to address decades of underfunding at historically Black colleges and universities. The legal effort seeks to tackle the long-standing financial disparities affecting HBCUs.

DJ Byrnes, a 39-year-old Columbus-based political blogger who runs The Rooster Substack newsletter, was found guilty of telecommunications harassment after sending Republican state Sen. Jerry Cirino an obscene image of the cartoon character Shrek. Byrnes sent the image in May after Cirino dropped out of a race for Ohio Senate presidency, alongside a message calling Cirino 'Young Mussolini'. A judge ordered Byrnes to pay a $200 fine on Friday.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has activated the state's price gouging reporting hotline after Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 Florida counties ahead of Hurricane Isaias. State law prohibits unconscionable price increases for essential commodities such as food, water, ice, fuel, lodging and certain services during declared emergencies. Residents can report suspected price gouging by phone or online form.

A county attorney has returned an investigation involving Peoria teachers Haley Beck and Angela Burlaka to police for the second time. No further details about the investigation's nature or reasons for the returns are provided.

New-car sales in Australia show marginal growth, but this is largely attributable to rapid expansion by Chinese brands BYD and Geely. The broader Australian auto market is weakening, with the growth of these two manufacturers masking underlying decline elsewhere.

BMW has launched the iX4, an electric coupe-shaped SUV with a 428-mile range. The iX4 is the automaker's third vehicle in its Neue Klasse EV line, offering what The Verge describes as well-crafted technology and competitive pricing to compete with Chinese electric vehicle makers.

A watchdog group has found that safety guardrails in OpenAI's ChatGPT for Teens product do not work as promised. The group says the chatbot poses an 'unacceptable risk' to children.

A tawny owl was rescued after becoming wedged in a pipe at the back of a stove in Noranside, Angus. Chimney sweep John Soutar was called to the house after the homeowners heard noises and discovered the bird. After about 20 minutes and some gentle coaxing, Soutar freed the owl unharmed and released it in the garden. Soutar said this was the second time he had rescued an owl from a chimney.

María del Carmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman whose eviction from her Madrid home sparked protests across Spain, has died.

North Carolina has suspended its 41-cent-per-gallon state gas tax through 30 November after Governor Josh Stein signed the bill on 9 October. The House and Senate passed the measure almost unanimously—111-1 and 41-0 respectively—during a special session on 7 October. The suspension is expected to cost the state about £360 million, though the North Carolina Department of Transportation warned that the tax funds approximately 40 per cent of state-generated transportation revenue. State lawmakers said monthly transfers from the state's inflation reserve would help cover the lost revenue.

Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek faced off in their first debate for an Iowa Senate seat. Hinson criticised Turek for missing 58 per cent of votes in the state legislature, including on an Iowa Farm Bill. Turek countered that Hinson missed 193 votes in Congress and voted for healthcare cuts. He also alleged she took $50,000 in federal per diem allowances on top of her congressional salary. Hinson responded that Turek likewise used Iowa's per diem programme despite his absences.

Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed reportedly called Twitch streamer Hasan Piker privately to warn that his rhetoric was costing him votes in the race. Fox News reports the rhetoric in question concerned Israel.

Shaquille O'Neal, a four-time NBA champion and tech investor, revealed that he was hacked by scammers posing as house-sellers and has partnered with NordVPN as official ambassador since September to raise public awareness of digital threats. O'Neal told reporters he initially did not know how to respond to the breach but realised the importance of understanding cybersecurity. At a recent NordVPN event in New York, he emphasised that everyone needs to maintain control of their personal information, and the company demonstrated its antivirus and threat-detection products, which it says blocked nearly 5 million malware attempts in the US in the first months of 2026.

Subaru has released a limited-edition Crosstrek small SUV inspired by surfing, created in collaboration with iconic Australian brand Rip Curl. The special model is now available in Australian showrooms.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay, a South African judge and former UN human rights chief, passing over US President Donald Trump for the second consecutive year. Trump had made a last-minute appeal for the award, telling reporters he deserved it for helping to settle eight wars and save millions of lives, and that failing to give it to him would be a 'great discredit' to the committee. He acknowledged the Norwegian Nobel Committee had 'a reputation for maybe not giving it to people like me'. Trump's campaign for the prize faced scepticism: whilst leaders of Cambodia, Israel and Pakistan said they nominated him, parties to conflicts he claims to have resolved disputed his diplomatic role, and fighting has flared again in some regions. The White House reacted with criticism of the committee for placing 'politics over peace'.

NSW has unveiled the Armed Response Command, a permanent armed police unit with 250 officers and 28 civilian staff equipped with carbine rifles. Officers are undergoing urban combat training and are expected to begin patrols in coming weeks. The unit was created following reforms prompted by the Bondi attack, when police area commands operated at limited capacity because officers were redirected to the incident.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has been ranked the most stressful airport in the United States, according to an analysis of 55 airports. Nearly 28% of all flights at the airport were delayed in 2025, and delays have increased 33.67% since 2021.

World Rugby has moved to outlaw the hip-drop tackle, which has caused multiple high-profile injuries across rugby codes but was previously unaddressed in the formal rules.

Cristian Mungiu's Palme d'Or-winning film Fjord stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as a Christian couple with five children who have immigrated from Romania to Norway. The film has sparked debate about progressive values.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said during a Monday radio appearance that he is 'a little bit skeptical' about whether the United States landed on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. He explained that while he could see why such a mission might have been faked, he was uncertain whether it actually happened. Maye added that he took a conspiracy theories class at the University of North Carolina. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman responded on social media, saying 'I quite literally have the receipts'.

Genealogy platform MyHeritage has determined that actress Sydney Sweeney and Marilyn Monroe are ninth cousins once removed. Their family trees connect through Ezra Perry, an early settler in Sandwich, Massachusetts who lived in the 1600s, with the relationship running through Sweeney's father Steven Sweeney and Monroe's biological father Charles Stanley Gifford. The discovery comes after years of public comparisons between the two actresses based on their blonde bombshell images and Old Hollywood style.

US federal prosecutors have charged former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores with conspiracy to commit torture, adding to existing drug trafficking and weapons charges. The superseding indictment, filed Thursday in Manhattan federal court, alleges they tortured American citizens and political opponents held in Venezuelan detention. According to prosecutors, the torture methods included electric shock, asphyxiation, rape, beatings and forced injections. Maduro and Flores have been in US custody since January, when they were seized in a military raid on their Caracas compound. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges and face potential life imprisonment.

El Guero Canelo, a legendary Tucson restaurant chain, is up for sale. No further details about the sale have been disclosed by the outlets reporting on the story.

Teenage Engineering founder and CEO Jesper Kouthoofd told Highsnobiety the company plans to cease synthesizer production, ending its best-known product line. The OP-1 synth put the Swedish company on the map, but Teenage Engineering has diversified into design work for other brands including Ikea, Nothing and Playdate.

US President Donald Trump has conceded he is unlikely to be awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize but still believes he deserves one.

A new report offers insight into how gangs in Haiti are backed by political and economic actors. The country is preparing for its first general elections in more than 10 years.

Andrew Scott's film Elsinore had its European premiere at the London Film Festival on Wednesday, with critics declaring it an Oscar frontrunner. The film, directed by Simon Stone, depicts the real actor Ian Charleson preparing to play Hamlet at the National Theatre in 1989 whilst privately dying of AIDS. Scott's performance has been universally lauded, with reviewers calling it a 'performance of a lifetime' and suggesting he is now a leading contender for the Best Actor Oscar.

Pennsylvania lawmakers failed to act on skill games legislation before their last scheduled vote ahead of an October 13 enforcement deadline. Two groups filed emergency orders with the state Supreme Court asking to push the deadline back to February 2027, giving lawmakers more time to act. Manufacturers have already begun removing machines from bars, convenience stores and social clubs.

Dry conditions will continue through Thursday and Friday. Rain is expected to move in over the weekend, with tropical impacts associated with Isaias.

The Subaru Crosstrek Touring is a compact SUV designed for all-terrain driving. It prioritises all-weather capability and reliability over outright performance.

The Subaru Crosstrek Touring is a compact SUV designed for all-weather capability and reliability, trading maximum performance for go-anywhere grip. The vehicle prioritises Subaru's trademark dependability and all-terrain ability.

Lee Davidson, 40, was shot dead at around 7.45pm on Friday, October 2, at a memorial service in Acton, west London. Police attended Braybrook Street after members of the public heard multiple shots. Davidson was pronounced dead at the scene with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. More than 50 people, including children, were attending the memorial gathering nearby when the shooting occurred. No arrests have been made. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, leading the investigation, appealed for witnesses to come forward.

South Africa have secured exclusive access to train on a pitch similar to the one expected for the first Test, an advantage not offered to Australia. The Proteas will use this preparation before the teams compete in the opening match.

Chinese-built vehicles outsold cars from Japan and Thailand combined in Australia last month, as Australian buyers increasingly embrace Chinese manufacturers.

A type of gene therapy called optogenetic therapy, based on Nobel prize-winning science for turning nerve cells on and off using light, is safe and can partly restore sight in blind people. Researchers have reported results from a trial involving ten participants with advanced retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder affecting light-sensitive cells in the retina. The therapy involves a single injection into the eye containing a synthetic virus that delivers genetic instructions to make surviving ganglion cells light-sensitive.

Cornell University students have staged a sit-in at a dining hall and pledged not to spend money on campus in protest of sexual violence and the university's handling of complaints. The action follows allegations of a 2024 gang rape.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have eliminated the Atlanta Braves from the playoffs in their NL Division Series. The Dodgers were without second baseman Miguel Rojas for Game 4 due to a sore back. Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves fought back tears after the elimination and cut his postgame interview short.

Thousands of Brazilian students have marched in Rio de Janeiro against the possibility of Flávio Bolsonaro winning the presidency.

Republican Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne and Republican Congressman Rich McCormick have ended their dating relationship. According to TMZ, the pair had been dating since at least summer 2024 and intend to remain friends.

A 32-year-old woman, Celia Yamasaki, died after being struck by a car in Gilbert, Arizona on Wednesday morning. The crash happened on Colorado Street between Guadalupe Road and San Angelo Street just before 10:30 a.m. Police believe the 43-year-old driver showed signs of impairment. The driver stayed at the scene and was taken to hospital for evaluation; charges are pending as the investigation continues.

The average cost of renting a room in inner London has risen to £1,002 a month, nearly matching the previous record of £1,003 set in late 2023. Across all of London, the average is £932. The surge has coincided with a 7.3 per cent year-on-year drop in available rooms in inner London, the first decline in availability for a year. Matt Hutchinson of SpareRoom points to the Renters' Rights Act, introduced in May, as a leading cause, saying landlords feel the investment opportunity is no longer worth compliance efforts. Nationally, average room rental costs have hit a record high of £769 a month.

Bodycam footage released from a shooting at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, on January 6, 2023, shows a six-year-old boy identified as J.T. cursing at police and responding defiant to officers after shooting his first-grade teacher Abigail Zwerner in the left hand and upper left chest. The child had stolen his mother's 9mm handgun and brought it to school. In the footage, the boy sits in the lap of Amy Kovac, the class's reading specialist, and tells officers 'I don't care if I go to jail' and 'If you want a piece of me, come get it', whilst admitting 'I stole that from my mom'.

BBC broadcaster Nicky Campbell gave evidence at Edinburgh Sheriff Court about an alleged attack by a teacher at his private school, Edinburgh Academy, in either 1975 or 1976 when he was 14 or 15. Mr Campbell described being grabbed, beaten and thrown to the ground in what he called a 'complete frenzy' lasting more than ten seconds. Two retired teachers, Colin Turner, 92, and David Bourne, 72, face a finding in facts hearing; both have been assessed as medically unfit to stand trial and will not be punished regardless of the outcome.

Mattie Music Group has alleged that Olivia Dean's 2025 song 'I've Seen It' repeatedly copies the melody from Bill Withers' Grammy-winning classic 'Just the Two of Us'. The lawsuit claims the two songs have 'obvious and inescapable similarities'.

Dana Altman has retired as head coach of the Oregon Ducks basketball team after 16 seasons. Assistant Tony Stubblefield has been named interim head coach for the upcoming campaign.

Dallas Rice, accused of stealing money from a Minot-area archery group, is asking the North Dakota Supreme Court to order his release from jail and reinstate his bond after a district judge rejected his sentencing agreement and ordered him into custody. His attorney is also seeking the assignment of a different judge to the case.

A woman was bitten by a dog in the Ringland area of Newport. Gwent Police are investigating the incident and making enquiries to establish the circumstances.

The BBC's pay gap report shows white employees earn less than ethnic minority colleagues in almost every pay band, with disparities ranging from 1.3 per cent to 13.2 per cent in the lowest grade. Senior ethnic minority leaders earn 5.3 per cent more than white counterparts. However, white staff are paid 0.7 per cent more overall because they hold a greater proportion of higher-paying positions.

Steelers players defended their animated sideline conduct after cameras captured Cameron Heyward in a heated exchange during Thursday's game in Cleveland. The players characterised the emotional display as a positive element of their approach.

Duquesne Light and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 29 have reached a tentative agreement on a five-year contract, ending a strike that began when the previous contract expired a week ago. The deal addresses union concerns about subcontracting, technology use, safety, healthcare and organising rights. The company said the agreement reflects how much it values its workforce whilst addressing customer concerns about affordability and reliability. Union ratification and several other steps remain before operations return to normal.

A Quinnipiac University poll conducted in early October shows Pennsylvania's Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro leading Republican challenger Stacy Garrity 59% to 34%, with the pollster describing the race as shaping up to be a 'rout'. Shapiro has high approval ratings and a strong favorability advantage, while 44% of likely voters said they had not heard enough about Garrity to form an opinion.

Mariachi music is so popular in Las Vegas schools that there are not enough teachers to meet demand. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas now offers a specialty minor where students can learn how to teach the genre, addressing the shortage in this rapidly growing field.

A fire broke out at the former Billingham library on Queensway at around 6.30pm on Tuesday, October 6, destroying the building. Eight fire engines attended and the blaze caused significant disruption, with roads closed and residents urged to keep windows shut. A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and later released on bail. Two 12-year-old boys came forward voluntarily on Thursday and have been interviewed by detectives.

Bernadette Greene-Placentia, a Democratic candidate running for Congress in Arizona's 8th District, says she was attacked and raped in a Sun City parking lot on 14 August while repairing a damaged campaign sign just after 2am. She told the Phoenix New Times she was struck over the head, losing consciousness, then awoke to find a man on top of her. A second man approached but left after she kicked at him, she said. Greene-Placentia reported the assault to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office on 31 August, two weeks after the incident, saying she initially felt embarrassed and wanted to forget what happened. She decided to speak publicly to encourage other sexual assault survivors. Her Republican opponent, Abe Hamadeh, called for a thorough investigation. The sheriff's office confirmed the investigation is ongoing.

US Customs and Border Protection officers at Miami International Airport discovered ten live birds hidden in cylindrical containers sewn into the underwear of Alberto Hernandez Castillo, a Cuban national and legal permanent resident, after he arrived on a flight from Havana on 4 October. Officers noticed an unexplained bulge during a secondary inspection and conducted a pat-down, uncovering six clear plastic tubes wrapped in tape containing eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks. Castillo had signed a customs declaration stating he was not bringing animals or wildlife into the United States. When questioned, he claimed the birds were for personal use before invoking his right to remain silent. Investigators found he lacked the required documentation to legally import wildlife. UPI reports that a second passenger, Roberto Perez Quincosa, was arrested two days later carrying eleven birds concealed in hair-roller tubes beneath his clothing.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to bestow a high-level award on its crew. The ship has been on a long deployment and is preparing to return home.

Hurricane Simon is advancing toward Mexico's Pacific coast and is forecast to rapidly intensify into a Category 4 hurricane before landfall, threatening the tourist destination Puerto Vallarta. Jalisco state has suspended classes in coastal municipalities and begun evacuating residents. Simultaneously, former Hurricane Rachel is battering Southern California, with powerful waves destroying sections of the Long Beach Peninsula boardwalk and leaving homes at risk of collapse.

President Trump has turned emergency relief into a campaign talking point as a major hurricane approaches the US Gulf Coast. Critics say disaster relief funding has no place in midterm campaign rhetoric.

Israel has closed the British consulate in East Jerusalem in retaliation for UK sanctions on illegal West Bank settlements announced on 8 September. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said 20 diplomats including the consul general would leave the country. However, Britain and Israel reached a last-minute compromise: the consulate building will remain open as the 'UK Mission, Jerusalem', with seven diplomats allowed to continue working there in a limited capacity. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the building would not close and would continue serving Palestinians, with some staff temporarily withdrawn for security reasons. Britain has threatened to expel Israeli diplomats if a permanent resolution is not reached.

Pennsylvania health and environmental officials issued a 'do not eat' advisory for all fish species in the Wissahickon Creek basin in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties after detecting unsafe levels of PFOS, a 'forever chemical' that accumulates in animal tissue. Tests revealed PFOS concentrations exceeding 0.04 parts per million, the safety threshold. A planned trout stocking has been cancelled, and a public meeting is scheduled for 6 November to discuss future trout management.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly defended former CBS analyst Tony Romo after the network parted ways with him last week. Romo was placed on indefinite leave following an OWI arrest in July and subsequently left CBS, which settled his remaining contract worth $72 million. Speaking on local radio, Jones described Romo as 'one of the most valued relationships' he has and said he believes Romo 'has a better future' ahead, despite acknowledging the former quarterback has 'made some mistakes'.

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has returned to Napoli training for the first time since undergoing heart surgery in Manchester last month. The 29-year-old was diagnosed with a mild benign arrhythmia, an irregular heart rhythm deemed non-serious and posing no significant risk to health.

Belfast City Council has approved dual language street signs in Ulster Scots and English for two streets in the city, marking the first such signs since the council changed its rules in 2022 to lower the threshold for resident approval. The signs will be installed at Ravenscroft Avenue and Beersbridge Road in East Belfast, with the Ulster Scots translation of Ravenscroft Avenue shown as 'Corbiescroft Evvenye'. A survey of 110 people at Ravenscroft Avenue found 19 occupiers (17.27 per cent) in favour of the bilingual sign, 10 (9.09 per cent) against, and one with no preference.

Donald Trump announced this week that advertisements promoting him and his administration, which had run in September using taxpayer funds, would no longer be paid for by US public money. US law prohibits using taxpayer funds for political advertisements. Meanwhile, polling suggests Trump is damaging Republican chances in the midterm elections scheduled for 3 November, when voters will decide control of the House, Senate and 36 state governorships.

West Virginia has officially submitted a bid to host the United States Space Academy. NASA is seeking a location for an inaugural class of 300 students in 2028, with plans to break ground on a permanent campus by 2027. The permanent campus would need at least 300 acres and accommodate 1,200 students by 2031, with potential expansion to around 4,000 students. Governor Morrisey said the academy could bring new jobs, investment and educational opportunities to the state.

Two more men, aged 34 and 44, have been arrested over the death of Billy Watson, 35, who was shot at a property on Harestanes Road, Armadale, at about 11:50 on Saturday 12 September. Four men were previously arrested and charged in connection with his death and have all appeared in court. Police Scotland said inquiries are ongoing.

Hampshire County Council has revealed contingency plans to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and maintain road safety if small boats landed on Hampshire's coast. The council said it did not provide direct support to the RNLI during recent small boat incidents, as the charity operates independently. However, it had worked with partner organisations through the Hampshire and Isle of Wight local resilience forum on emergency planning.

A woman known as Jane Doe, who alleges seven members of Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity gang raped her in October 2024, has faced escalating harassment following publicity around her civil lawsuit. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, says both he and his client have received death threats. This week, police responded to a false 911 call reporting violence at her family home—a swatting attack. Giuffra told media outlets that Jane Doe has been subjected to doxxing attempts and online threats, and that she is now afraid for her safety. The accused students deny the allegations and have not been criminally charged. The case has drawn national attention and sparked campus protests over how Cornell handled the matter.

SpaceX has agreed to acquire a nationwide portfolio of low-band spectrum in the 800 MHz band from investment firm Grain Management, pending Federal Communications Commission approval. The company said the acquisition, which it described as up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum, addresses a key technical gap needed for Starlink Mobile to become a major US mobile carrier. Low-band spectrum can penetrate walls and buildings, addressing a limitation of satellite signals. SpaceX will combine this terrestrial spectrum with its existing mid-band spectrum and a constellation of up to 15,000 new satellites approved by the FCC this week. The announcement caused shares in AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile to fall sharply on Friday, with Verizon down roughly 10 per cent on track for its worst day since 2002.

Almost half of Australian shoppers are budgeting ahead for Christmas, according to data from Woolworths. The cost-conscious approach suggests many consumers are planning their festive spending months in advance.

Florin Chiriac, 31, from Newcastle, has been charged with murder, attempted grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving following a fatal crash on the A1(M) near Barton on Sunday, October 4. A 22-year-old woman from Newcastle died in the collision involving a silver Ford Transit and a silver Volkswagen Golf, both travelling southbound between Junctions 57 and 56. Chiriac appeared at Leeds Crown Court, where his trial was set to begin on March 22 and is expected to last two weeks.

A 6-year-old boy shot his teacher, Abby Zwerner, in her chest at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia on 6 January 2023 in front of 16 first-grade students. Police bodycam footage released this week shows the boy, identified only as J.T., cursing at and threatening officers responding to the shooting. He had stolen a 9 mm Taurus handgun from his mother's purse that morning. The boy was not charged with any crime but was ordered to undergo 227 days of inpatient psychiatric confinement.

Coronation Street actor Eric Potts, 61, best known for playing baker Diggory Compton, has pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent photographs of a child and three counts of distributing the images. He faces prison sentencing.

Richard Barrera, a California state superintendent candidate, said UC professors should teach students who arrive without basic maths skills and rejected reinstating the SAT requirement. His opponent, Sonja Shaw, called for returning to standardized testing, arguing that low reading and maths scores among schoolchildren represent a crisis. More than 800 UC professors signed a letter last year calling for the SAT and ACT to be reinstated to identify preparation gaps.

Jay Leno, the former host of The Tonight Show, will perform at Grand Falls Casino in Larchwood, Iowa on 21 February 2027. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, 9 October.

The Trump administration pressured multiple countries to withdraw sponsorship from #Disinfo2026, a leading European disinformation conference held in Vilnius, Lithuania on Wednesday and Thursday. The EU's diplomatic service, Canada and Lithuania subsequently agreed to do so, with their logos hastily removed from conference materials. The EU said it was 'uncomfortable with the framing' of some panels, though did not publicly confirm US pressure.

Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, extending his time at the club to 2030 and becoming the Premier League's highest-paid manager on nearly £20m annually. The Spaniard, who took over in December 2019, has transformed Arsenal into Premier League champions but remains driven by their Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain in May, describing it as 'poison in my veins'. Arsenal face decisions over Kai Havertz's fitness before their weekend Premier League match against Leeds United, with German reports suggesting the striker faces around four weeks out after suffering a hamstring injury during international duty. Arteta said he shows no signs of tiring despite long tenures ending with burnout for managers like Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, stating he wakes up with energy for the role.

A 24-year-old road worker was killed in a crash in a work zone in Benton Township on Tuesday, his final day with Eaton County Road Commission. The death has reignited calls for improved construction zone safety.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier docked in San Diego on Thursday after a deployment lasting more than ten months, including a record 265 consecutive days without a port call. The carrier left California in November 2025 bound for the Pacific but was redirected to the Middle East before the US-Israel war with Iran began in February. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth visited the ship on Wednesday and awarded its roughly 5,000 crew members the Presidential Unit Citation, saying they accomplished what 'no other carrier strike group has ever done'. The deployment drew scrutiny after reports emerged of supply shortages, poor living conditions and deteriorating mental health among crew members, with reports of suicide attempts. Hegseth rejected suggestions the ship had become 'a symbol of dysfunction', instead condemning media coverage. Thousands of military families gathered in San Diego to welcome sailors home, with some reuniting with newborn children they had never met.

Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, has said she feels pressure to look a certain way and get cosmetic surgery living in Los Angeles. She expressed concern about the impact on her daughters growing up in a visually driven culture. She said she questions daily whether the family will remain in Los Angeles after her husband's playing career ends, citing her desire to be near family.

A federal appeals court in New York heard arguments over whether legal claims against Saudi Arabia can proceed in relation to the September 11 attacks. Family members of victims attended the hearing before three judges, who did not indicate their ruling.

Three separate crime incidents have been reported in South Dakota. A burglary suspect was arrested in Sioux Falls after illegally entering a home and stealing two vehicles, one of which was involved in a hit-and-run. Two men face charges after a shooting spree in which they fired at multiple vehicles in Sioux Falls early Friday morning. A third incident involves police searching for a theft suspect in Hot Springs.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr will miss multiple games with a foot injury he aggravated during practice on Wednesday. Coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday the injury could lead to Pittman being placed on the injured reserve list. Pittman, acquired in the off-season to complement DK Metcalf, missed a game in Week 2 with the same left foot injury.

A boy died Wednesday after a large Promethean video display board fell on him at Riviera Elementary School in Palm Bay, Brevard County, Florida. Emergency crews were called shortly after 11:30 a.m. and took the child to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where he died. The school district said the incident appears accidental and is under investigation by Palm Bay Police. In response, Brevard Public Schools has launched immediate inspections of all similar mounted display boards across its campuses.

The Milwaukee Brewers have named left-hander Robert Gasser to start Game 4 of their NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres. Gasser will face the Padres' Walker Buehler.

Enzo Maresca, Manchester City's new manager, said he completely trusts the club and is confident they will win their appeal against an independent commission's guilty verdict on 114 of 115 charges of breaking Premier League financial rules between 2009–10 and 2017–18. Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola this summer, rejected suggestions that City's titles have been tainted by the ruling and said he would have joined the club regardless of the verdict. Other Premier League managers have called for swift resolution. Michael Carrick of Manchester United, who finished runners-up to City in past seasons, said the case has affected him personally and called for clarity, though he acknowledged that a retrospective medal would not restore the emotional moment of losing at the time.

A Mercedes failed to stop for Thames Valley Police and crashed into a hedge whilst being pursued by a police dog unit. The driver fled the scene, leaving two dogs in the back of the car. The vehicle has been seized for forensics, and the dogs have been taken into care with a view to rehoming them.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has offered condolences after the death of María del Carmen Abascal, 87, whose eviction had triggered nationwide protests across the country.

A North Yorkshire man has been jailed for more than four years after travelling across the north of England to break into a home in Cumbria.

Christa Pike, sentenced to death in 1995 for murdering classmate Colleen Slemmer when she was 18, survived two lethal injections of pentobarbital on 30 September in Tennessee. She regained consciousness on Tuesday, a week later, telling her lawyer Randall Spivey her first words were 'Where am I and who are you?' Pike has no recollection of the execution attempt itself. Her lawyers say she is 'angry and confused' and faces a long recuperation, with severe arm injuries and other medical complications including pneumonia and a blood clot.

Ulster face Munster on Saturday evening at Ravenhill in an interprovincial derby, seeking their first win of the season. Nathan Doak, Ulster's scrum-half, is relishing his battle with Munster's Craig Casey, an international colleague.

Edinburgh and Fife businesses have won major awards at the Scottish Asian Food Awards 2026, which were held on 5 October at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central. Edinburgh restaurants won titles across seven categories including Best Dining Experience of the Year, New Restaurant of the Year and Japanese Restaurant of the Year. Harajuku Kitchen on Gillespie Place won two awards for best Japanese restaurant and best sushi joint. Yasmin Mahmood, CEO of Oceanic Awards, said the awards 'showcase the incredible talent, passion, and hard work that exists within Scotland's Asian food industry'.

Children of celebrities featured prominently at Paris Fashion Week's spring/summer 2027 shows. Apple Martin, the 22-year-old daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, made her runway debut at Chloé, while Ella Bleu Travolta, 26, walked for Miu Miu. Other famous offspring either modelled or attended shows as guests with their parents. The Guardian characterises the trend as a 'nepo baby takeover' across fashion month, with PR consultant Mark Borkowski describing it as reflecting 'a wonderful cocktail of youth, nostalgia and inherited glamour'.

Golfer Jon Rahm has said he will not continue with LIV Golf. He wants out of the Saudi-backed golf league.

Around two dozen masked protesters marched through Shettleston in Glasgow's East End on Wednesday evening, 7 October, chanting anti-immigration slogans including 'send them home' and 'Glasgow's had enough'. Police closed Parkhead Cross and other nearby roads to manage the incident. A 32-year-old man was arrested in connection with an alleged assault on a police officer, who did not require medical treatment. Politicians condemned the protest, with SNP MSP David Linden describing it as 'deeply unsettling' and Labour MSP Paul Sweeney calling the group a 'far-right gang'. A housing association said residents felt 'threatened and intimidated' by the demonstration.

A renewed appeal has been made for information about the shooting of Thomas Jamison, a part-time UDR sergeant, in March 1990 on the Castlecaulfield Road between Castlecaulfield and Donaghmore in Co Tyrone. The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery is investigating the death, which is believed to have been carried out by the IRA.

Ami Dronsfield, 36, was driving to a hair appointment in Northumberland when her VW Golf collided with Michael Armstrong's quad bike on the A697 near Whittingham in November 2024. Her phone had been active for seven seconds, with WhatsApp and Snapchat briefly open, meaning she failed to see Mr Armstrong, 58, in time. He was rushed to hospital but remained on life support for 11 days before his family chose to turn it off. Dronsfield pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to three years and two months, with a driving ban of six years and seven months.

A man was arrested during a far-right protest in Glasgow involving masked demonstrators at Parkhead Cross. Police closed several roads and junctions as the incident unfolded, with videos on social media showing officers grappling with people in balaclavas who were reportedly part of an anti-migrant protest in the Shettleston area.

South Africa appear set to play two frontline spinners in the Durban Test series opener, while Australia plan to field only one. The Kingsmead pitch is expected to present different challenges to earlier venues in the series.

New South Wales has purchased a national park featuring pink lakes, a rare natural phenomenon visitors will now be able to see. The acquisition allows public access to the distinctive lakes for the first time.

CSIRO and pharmaceutical company Moderna have announced a five-year partnership to research biosecurity threats in Australia and the Pacific region.

Researchers have found that Australia's bushfire crisis may be linked to British colonisation, with increased risk extending beyond the influence of climate change alone.

A new Hulu crime documentary will follow the disappearance and death of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe in Nebraska. The documentary will revisit the case.

President Trump on Thursday awarded the United States' highest science honours to six leading technology executives at a White House summit. The National Medal of Science went to SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and AMD CEO Lisa Su. Michael Dell of Dell Technologies and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Trump praised the honourees as pioneers who will ensure America remains the global leader in innovation. The awards come after Musk and Trump repaired their relationship following a public rift in 2025 over government spending.

A rare 160-year-old Victorian camera found in an Oxfordshire garage has sold for £18,000. The camera, over 150 years old, was discovered in the garage before being sold at auction.

A painting by Rebecca Cox inspired by the beauty of Rowntree Park has found a new home displayed in the park's café.

North Yorkshire councillors have called for further scrutiny of a proposed 100 per cent tax on second homes, saying more evidence is needed on the policy's impacts before it can proceed.

A proposed data centre at Thames Valley Park could cause further delays to a long-awaited new Royal Berkshire Hospital, Wokingham MP Clive Jones has warned. The hospital project has already faced postponements.

Ayomide David Adegbite, a kitchen assistant at Bilton Hall Nursing Home in Knaresborough, has made it to the last eight of Care Sector's Got Talent, a national talent contest for care sector workers.

Caroline Jordan, head of Headington Rye Oxford private school, has won Tatler's Lifetime Achievement Award ahead of her retirement after more than 30 years in education.

The Oxford English Dictionary has added more than 400 new words, phrases and meanings in its September update. Among the additions are 'floordrobe' and 'humblebrag'.

Reform UK tabled a motion in the Senedd calling for foreign nationals to be banned from social housing and licensed houses of multiple occupation (HMOs). The motion was rejected on Wednesday by 57 votes to 31. Reform argued that housing resources should be reserved for British citizens, and one Reform MS suggested foreign nationals in social housing be deported if they could not find private accommodation within three months. Housing Minister Sian Gwenllian called this 'inhumane'. Opposition politicians raised concerns about the impact on Irish citizens, EU citizens with settled status, students and other foreign nationals with legal rights to live in Wales.

Reform UK released a 27-page report from an internal inquiry into allegations that party figures discussed disguising foreign donations. The inquiry, conducted by Reform's legal adviser and general secretary, concluded there had been no breach of electoral law. However, Scotland Yard is conducting a separate police investigation into the same matter. Both The Mirror and the i Paper note that the internal nature of the inquiry limits its credibility as independent scrutiny.

Treyton Lara, 24, collapsed at mile 20 of the Portland marathon on Sunday and went into cardiac arrest, his wife Aundrey Shin-Lara told KPTV. She had seen him at mile 18 and 19, where he stopped to kiss her and appeared well. Lara had trained for months for the race and had no known underlying medical conditions, according to his wife.

A large fire broke out at a scrapyard on Llay Industrial Estate near Wrexham on Wednesday evening at around 7pm, with twelve fire crews deployed to tackle the blaze. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service urged the public to keep away from the area whilst crews worked through the night to bring the fire under control. A road closure remained in place the following morning, with emergency services continuing to extinguish hotspots and monitor the site.

Miya Deamer-Jones, 11, was reported missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday, 4 October near Elmley Castle in Worcestershire. Her body was found shortly afterwards in a park near a cricket ground. West Mercia Police have confirmed they found no evidence of suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement following detailed enquiries. The case has been passed to the coroner.

The sister of a murdered woman has spoken of her relief after the killer was denied parole. However, she expressed concern about what could happen if he is eventually released.

Donald Trump said he could have targeted his political rivals Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden but chose not to. Speaking at an Oval Office event on Wednesday, Trump said he thought it was inappropriate to do so because the presidency should be treated with respect. He added that his rivals have 'done some very bad things'.

Early voting has begun in Arizona for the general election on 3 November, with ballots being mailed out and voter centres open for in-person voting. Voters must post mail ballots at least seven days before election day, though they can vote in person on the day itself or use drop boxes. Arizona voters will decide on the governorship, where Governor Katie Hobbs faces Republican Representative Andy Biggs, alongside votes for lieutenant governor, attorney general, education official and other state positions, plus eight statewide ballot measures.

Sioux Falls residents are being asked to complete a community health assessment survey by 30 November to help identify the city's next health priorities. The survey is part of a three-year process that the city is undertaking with local health systems.

ICANN has announced 1,615 applications for new top-level domains from 481 applicants, marking the first such round in years. Tech companies dominate the bidding, particularly for AI-related domains. OpenAI applied for 15 new domains including .chatgpt and .agi, while Meta sought 21 including .superintelligence and .agent.

The Dartford Crossing between Kent and Essex faces overnight tunnel closures this weekend as part of planned maintenance. The west tunnel will close from 10pm on Saturday 10 October until 6am on Sunday 11 October, followed by the east tunnel closing from 10.30pm on Sunday until 5.30am on Monday 12 October, with no northbound access for vehicles over 4.8m. Bearing replacement work on the QEII Bridge is also scheduled for 9pm to 9am on Saturdays 24 and 31 October. A National Highways spokesman apologised for the inconvenience.

Multiple fire trucks responded to The Prince Apartments in downtown Bismarck around 1:10 p.m. on Wednesday after two smoke detectors were activated. Firefighters found light smoke on the second floor and traced it to a burnt belt in a washing machine. Residents were allowed back inside around 2 p.m. and there were no injuries reported.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu pledged Wednesday to address student concerns over school conditions and teacher shortages, whilst also announcing the release of 10 million barrels of diesel fuel to lower prices. Lecornu said anger among young people over run-down schools and insufficient substitute teachers was justified, with policy responses expected later this month. The government will consider submissions on a public platform created for students to voice grievances. Lecornu also insisted the government must cut France's public deficit to 5 per cent, amid growing concerns about the country's spending and debt.

President Trump declared on Truth Social on Thursday that the White House considers anyone using the term 'artificial intelligence' rather than 'super intelligence' to be 'the enemy'. The rebrand follows an executive order issued last week directing federal agencies to use the new terminology, and remarks at the United Nations where Trump claimed the word 'artificial' makes the technology sound 'fake'.

Eritrean troops crossed into Ethiopia's northern Tigray region this week, reaching the town of Adigrat, according to residents and conflict monitors. Ethiopian government forces responded with drone strikes on Wednesday and Thursday that witnesses said destroyed Eritrean vehicles. Ethiopia's foreign minister accused Eritrea of an 'all-out invasion' and said troops had advanced up to 60 kilometres into Tigray, whilst Eritrea's information minister rejected the claims and accused Ethiopia of pursuing 'unprovoked war of aggression'. A foreign security source estimated between 5,000 and 8,000 Eritrean soldiers were present in Tigray. The two countries severed diplomatic ties last week amid deteriorating relations over Ethiopia's stated ambition to access the Red Sea, potentially through Eritrean ports.

María del Carmen Abascal, known as Maricarmen, died on Wednesday aged 87, two weeks after being evicted from the Madrid apartment where she had lived for over 70 years. An investment firm that bought the property had sought to raise her rent by 230 per cent. Images of the wheelchair-using pensioner being removed on a stretcher in late September sparked nationwide protests over Spain's housing crisis. She had been hospitalised with severe anxiety and exhaustion following the eviction. Though a deal was eventually reached allowing her to return home, she died before she could move back. Her death has intensified protests and prompted Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to call a snap election for 29 November.

Foreign workers building the new US consulate in Milan have signed agreements securing payouts for alleged labour abuses.

Nathaly Ramirez, 23, died after being pushed from a 15th-floor balcony at a Bronx apartment building early Tuesday while holding her baby. Angel Carrasco, 31, is accused of the attack. The baby survived and remained in critical condition. Carrasco was arrested on Wednesday by US Marshals and NYPD officers.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded for work illuminating molecular asymmetry and achieving chemical synthesis not seen for billions of years. The work has implications for understanding the origins of life.

A 28-year-old scientist at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Siberia died on 2 October from pneumonia of unknown origin. The WHO has asked Russia for information about her death and an unconfirmed report of a second person falling ill. Russia's health regulator says extensive testing found no evidence the woman's illness was caused by pathogens she worked with, and denies reports of a second case, calling them fake. The WHO says it does not have a complete picture and cannot assess the full risk.

Levi Davidson, 40, was shot dead at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street in East Acton at about 7:45pm on 2 October. The shooting occurred during a memorial service being held for Malakai Ferguson-Ramson at the nearby Old Oak Community Centre. More than 50 people, including children, were in the area when the incident happened. Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward, saying people at the scene may have information crucial to the investigation, though no arrests have yet been made.

Ardagh Glass is closing a furnace at its Knottingley factory in Yorkshire, with 80 employees facing job losses. The company cited challenging market conditions and a review of capacity across its facilities. The GMB Union attributed the closure largely to the Extended Producer Responsibility packaging tax, calling on the government to reconsider the policy.

Declan Rice is close to agreeing a new long-term Arsenal contract, sources have told BBC Sport. The 27-year-old England midfielder would receive a significant pay increase from his reported £240,000-per-week salary, putting him on a par with the club's best earner Bukayo Saka. Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105 million in July 2023 and has made 165 appearances, helping the club win their first Premier League title in 22 years last season.

A federal appeals court has vacated kidnapping convictions in a case involving the death of a 3-year-old boy who went missing from Georgia in 2017 and was later found dead at a compound in New Mexico.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, Reece James and Marco Palestra are fit to return for Saturday's Premier League match against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. All five had missed games before the international break through injury. Palmer is said to be 'confident' of being fit enough to start, having withdrawn from England's Nations League squad citing a minor muscular problem. Joao Pedro, who has scored three goals in four appearances this season, had undergone treatment from a specialist for a knee injury but trained well during the break. Caicedo, who has been sidelined for much of the season with a calf issue, played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Portsmouth. Jamie Gittens remains unavailable after an ankle injury suffered with England's Under-21s.

The iconic Chrysler Building in Manhattan will undergo major renovation and modernisation, including restoration of its distinctive crown. A $235 million lease deal with Rockefeller Center owner has been agreed to fund the work, which will also provide new office space.

The FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of flight 1073 with an emergency axe as it approached Israel on 27 September had posted around 3,000 messages on X using misogynistic 'manosphere' rhetoric, including calling women 'rotten meat', according to investigations by the Financial Times and CBS News. Passengers and crew subdued him and the aircraft made a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

A teenager in Grand Island suffered serious injuries in a crash involving a semi-truck on Tuesday afternoon. The Hall County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.

Frankie Smith, 20, has been released on licence from prison six years after her 16-month-old daughter Star Hobson died in Keighley in September 2020. Smith was convicted of causing or allowing Star's death, though she was cleared of murder and manslaughter. Star was killed by Smith's then-partner Savannah Brockhill, 28, who was sentenced to life with a minimum 25-year term. Smith was initially sentenced to eight years but this was increased to 12 years on appeal; she has served half her sentence as she was under 18 when Star died. Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore criticised the release as 'a complete and utter disgrace'. The Ministry of Justice said offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and can be returned to prison if they breach them.

James K. Baldwin, 54, of Chesapeake, Ohio, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to three counts of sexual battery involving a minor.

Opal Lee celebrated her 100th birthday by launching construction of a museum in her Texas hometown dedicated to the history of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Lee became known as the 'grandmother of Juneteenth' after spending years campaigning to achieve federal recognition for June 19.

Patience Rousseau was convicted and imprisoned for over two years under a 1911 Nevada law after she miscarried in 2018. Her conviction was vacated in 2021. Rousseau, now 34, has won a $1.6 million settlement from Humboldt County more than eight years later, with $1.2 million recently paid to her.

Research presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress found that GLP-1 users experience nail disorders more frequently than people not taking the drugs. Among 575 GLP-1 users and 1,329 non-users, 39% of medication users reported nail detachment compared with 9% of controls, while 46% experienced nail discoloration versus 17% of non-users. Overall, two-thirds of GLP-1 users reported at least one nail disorder. Researchers noted that weight loss alone did not explain the difference; even adjusting for weight loss, nail detachment and discoloration remained two to three times more common in the medication group.

Federal Reserve officials unanimously agreed another rate hike will be necessary this year, according to minutes from the central bank's September meeting. However, the minutes gave no indication of when such a hike might occur. Officials cited elevated inflation that had made little progress towards the Fed's 2% target.

Most Federal Reserve officials expect that another interest rate increase will likely be needed this year to combat inflation, according to minutes released Wednesday from the central bank's most recent meeting.

Secret recordings made by Princess Diana are to be released in full for the first time in a new documentary called 'Diana Unheard'. The tapes were previously used for author Andrew Morton's 1992 best-selling book, passed to him via Diana's friend Dr James Colthurst, but have now been given to a production company in their entirety.

A former Sensodyne executive has launched a new toothpaste for sensitive teeth. The UK oral care market is worth more than £1 billion.

Giving workers more flexibility over their hours could help employers retain skilled people and lead to greater gender equality, according to both The West Australian and Perth Now.

State leaders have voted to assume control of two North Carolina towns, Ronda and Rowland, which are in financial distress. The takeover gives the state authority over the towns' operations.

President Trump has issued an executive order allowing off-road diesel fuel, normally restricted to farm and construction use, to be used on highways without federal penalties. The move comes amid pressure to address surging diesel prices ahead of midterm elections. The order defers rather than eliminates the federal excise tax of 24.4 cents per gallon until the end of the year, with the Treasury to explore ways to eliminate the obligation entirely. Analysts say truckers are unlikely to see substantial relief, as they may still owe the tax later.

Jonathan, a 194-year-old giant tortoise living on the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, is the world's oldest known land animal. Scientists have sequenced his genome and discovered he carries 287 unique gene variants linked to longevity. Most strikingly, his genes show characteristics resembling those of a much younger tortoise, particularly those governing mitochondrial function, the cellular structures that supply energy. Researchers found his gene regulators, which typically deteriorate with age, have remained remarkably stable throughout his nearly two-century lifespan. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest Jonathan possesses genetic traits for repairing damaged DNA, regulating metabolism and protecting against cancer, offering potential insights into how organisms resist ageing.

Curtin University has launched a new dementia resource programme called Brain Health WA to help lower dementia risk as Western Australia's dementia rates are expected to double over the next 30 years. Research from the university has also uncovered insights about muscle mass and its potential role in reducing dementia risk.

In 2018, a ball-tampering scandal known as Sandpapergate rocked Australian cricket. The scandal emerged from a tense atmosphere in which the Australian team had been persistently testing the limits of acceptability, ultimately changing the game.

Free live jazz music will fill Market Square Park in Subiaco across three Saturday evenings as the Perth International Jazz Festival partners with the Subi Night Market.

Channel Seven AFL commentator Luke Hodge will leap from a plane at over 10,000 feet above Rottenest Island next Thursday to raise money for Telethon, which supports sick children.

The European Union's top trade envoy, Maroš Šefčovič, travelled to Beijing for two days of talks with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao aimed at easing escalating tensions over the EU's 360 billion euro ($410 billion) annual trade deficit with China. Šefčovič said it was crucial that the negotiations deliver 'tangible outcomes' in rebalancing trade. China is pushing for the EU to lift restrictions on imports of advanced computer chipmaking machines imposed on national security grounds, while the Chinese Commerce Ministry has urged the EU to avoid protectionist measures, warning they could backfire.

A University of Florida study found Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which can transmit dengue, were more common than expected in residential yards in Indian River County. The finding does not indicate dengue is circulating in the area, but shows how people may encounter disease-carrying mosquitoes during everyday activities. Researchers used a smartphone app called Bite Diary to track bites and compared them with mosquitoes trapped in yards.

Rowe Sanctuary uses the off-season to prepare for the return of sandhill cranes. The sanctuary provides important programming throughout the year.

Zak Bolland made firebomb threats weeks before he and David Worrall carried out a fatal arson attack on the home of Michelle Pearson, 37, and her four children in Walkden, Greater Manchester. An officer told an inquest that in an 'ideal world' Bolland would have been arrested over the threats prior to the attack.

President Trump announced automatic enrollment of all children under 18 into Trump Accounts, his savings accounts for youth. Nearly 70 million accounts have been established since the programme launched in July, with over £4.5 billion deposited. Tech billionaires Michael and Susan Dell pledged to give 25 million children £250 each for their accounts, with funding to complete by the end of the week. Trump said other major companies including Uber, Intel and Nvidia have also committed to contribute.

Mark Roberts, the national police lead for football, has urged policymakers to maintain the ban on drinking in football stadiums. Prime Minister Andy Burnham proposed last month that the alcohol prohibition should be scrapped as unfair. Roberts, a Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable speaking ahead of his retirement, said football had become much safer because of the legislation introduced by the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985, alongside improvements in stadium facilities and fan engagement.

Microsoft has announced pricing and release details for the Surface Laptop Ultra, its new premium laptop powered by Nvidia's RTX Spark Arm-based processor. The device launches on October 16th starting at $2,599 for a base configuration with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, rising to $5,899.99 for a model with 128GB of RAM and up to a 20-core CPU. The 15-inch laptop features an HDR touchscreen display, magnetic USB-C charging, and multiple ports including HDMI, USB-A, and an SD card reader. Microsoft positioned the laptop to compete with high-end MacBook Pro models and is targeting creators, developers, and AI users. The company also announced the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, a $5,999 desktop PC for developers launching in November.

Lawyers for a Texas man convicted of fatally shooting a convenience store clerk are seeking to block his execution by lethal injection, which is scheduled for Wednesday. They cite the failed execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee last week as grounds for the stay.

Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra, a high-performance 'builder-class' PC aimed at developers and AI researchers, featuring a 15-inch Mini-LED display with up to 2,000 nits brightness and an NVIDIA RTX Spark chip supporting up to 128GB of unified memory. In the US, Microsoft is running a trade-in campaign encouraging MacBook owners to 'break up with your MacBook' for up to $1,000 off, though the actual trade-in value varies significantly depending on the MacBook model and age.

Online shopping fraud has surged 164 per cent and is now the fastest-growing scam in the UK. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to target Britons, with many people concerned that technology is making scams harder to detect.

Donald Trump distanced himself from two close advisers, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, after reports that they spent the weekend assisting a pro-Russia government in the Balkans. Trump wrote on Truth Social that they are 'outside consultants' who 'do not work for me', and suggested he might fire them if they had any 'conflict'.

Telford's Post Office in the town centre is set to close. The town's MP is calling on the Post Office to urgently set out plans for a replacement branch. The Post Office confirmed it has been contacted by interested retailers about a new location.

Kettles commonly found in kitchens should not be placed in four particular locations, as doing so can cause condensation and mould. The outlets do not specify which locations these are.

An 18-year-old American-born citizen of Somali descent, Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, was arrested on Tuesday in a public park in Richfield, Minnesota, after purchasing an AK-47 and 200 rounds of ammunition for $600 from an undercover FBI employee posing as an ISIS member. Mohamud had been under investigation for nearly two years and spent months exchanging text messages with a confidential FBI informant, repeatedly stating his intent to carry out a mass shooting at the Mall of America on 24 October, the date of a scheduled Hmong arts celebration. According to the criminal complaint, he expressed admiration for recent terrorist attacks and discussed killing non-Muslims, telling the informant he hoped to kill 30 to 60 people. U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said agents were able to detect and disrupt the threat before Mohamud carried out his intention. One outlet reports that Mohamud was seen on the mall's security cameras and robbed a Lids store at gunpoint before his arrest.

Nazire Koreli, 56, disappeared near her home in Welling, South East London, in September 2024. The Met Police and Crimestoppers are offering a £20,000 reward for information about her disappearance. A man was previously arrested on suspicion of her murder.

A fifth-generation family butcher is expanding with support from six-figure financing from Allica Bank. The business aims to become the UK's best food hall as part of its next growth phase.

The Premier League table after five games often reflects how teams will finish, with 65 per cent of last season's sides ending within four places of their early positions. However, Manchester City's guilty verdict on financial breaches could significantly alter this. The club has appealed the ruling and the potential sanctions remain unknown.

Police have renewed their appeal for information about Fiona Holm, a Blackheath woman last seen on 20 June 2023. Her killer, Carl Cooper, has been convicted but has not revealed where her body is.

Andrew David Melling, 71, a former royal gardener and advisor to King Charles from Blackpool, has been sentenced at Preston Magistrates Court. He was reported to police following a sting operation by a paedophile vigilante group.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro are both focused on persuading undecided voters ahead of the 25 October presidential election. The outcome may depend on those who have not yet decided or who plan to abstain.

FBI agents arrested a man after a nearly two-year investigation into an alleged mass shooting plot at the Mall of America. Court documents say the investigation ended with an undercover purchase and the suspect's immediate arrest.

The Rare by Design film festival, presenting films from around the world that highlight the talents of people with physical and developmental disabilities, returns to the State Theatre in downtown Sioux Falls on 8 October. The festival is described as the first of its kind in the city to specifically spotlight people with rare diseases and disabilities.

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro and Republican challenger Stacy Garrity held their sole debate on Wednesday night in Harrisburg ahead of the 3 November election. Shapiro holds a commanding lead in polling and fundraising over Garrity, the state treasurer. The candidates clashed over data centre development, affordability and other issues facing the state.

The Archdiocese of Glasgow has announced plans to close 24 churches and halve its parishes in a major restructure. Archbishop William Nolan cited falling Mass attendance and a declining number of active priests—down by a third in his five years of service, with many retiring due to age. The restructure will also merge Scotland's eight dioceses, with proposals to merge Argyll and the Isles with either Paisley or Glasgow, and to merge Galloway, Motherwell and Paisley. Members of Glasgow's Catholic community have described the move as 'sad but necessary' to safeguard the future of the Church.

Entrepreneurs are using artificial intelligence to launch businesses from college dorm rooms as part of America's Startup, a government-backed collegiate innovation competition. The startups include businesses using AI to predict vineyard crop yields, detect skin cancer earlier and develop fire suppressants. Generation Z founders are driving growth in new business registrations, with research showing that AI helps eliminate hurdles to launching companies by performing functions like bookkeeping and content creation.

The Philadelphia Eagles have traded centre Cam Jurgens and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. Jurgens was a Pro Bowl player who won the Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2024, but struggled this season after being moved to left guard while recovering from a back procedure. The trade comes as the Eagles face mounting offensive line problems, with tackle Lane Johnson also retiring this week.

Cardiff Council has received an application for the Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua boxing match at the Principality Stadium in December, with ring walks proposed to start after midnight. If approved, the stadium would stay open until 3:30am.

Two men have been charged after Cumbria Police executed a warrant at a Bowness-on-Windermere address and seized suspected Class A and Class B drugs, including cocaine worth an estimated £33,000 and more than £11,000 in cash.

The Philadelphia Eagles have traded centre Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens, a day after offensive lineman Lane Johnson retired. The moves leave the Eagles' offensive line depleted of two Pro Bowlers within 48 hours.

The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme has identified 513 lung cancer cases across Sussex and Surrey since rolling out four years ago, with more than three-quarters diagnosed at stage one or two. The programme has sent over 171,000 invitations to eligible people aged 55 to 74 and completed over 100,000 lung health checks, with more than 45,000 identified as higher risk being offered low-dose CT scans.

Abdalmasih Hanoun will stand trial at Haute-Savoie Assize Court in Annecy within the next year, charged with 13 counts of attempted murder following an attack at a lakeside park in Le Paquier, south-east France, in June 2023. The British girl, named locally as three-year-old Ettie, was one of four children aged between 22 months and three years wounded in the attack. Two elderly adults were also hurt. Ettie suffered a single stab wound but her condition was never vital, according to French prosecutors. Hanoun is also charged with armed resistance. Experts assessed his mental state and found he was not suffering from a psychological or neuropsychological disorder at the time of the attack, clearing the way for prosecution.

A 19th-century mill site in Bronte Country described as 'one of the last mills in the area' could be converted to housing. An application to demolish sections of Vale Mill, near Oakworth Station, has been submitted to Bradford Council. A Grade II listed section would be retained and converted, whilst an unused section, warehouse and derelict garage would be demolished.

Sunderland make their return to Premier League action at home to Brighton on Saturday. Head coach Régis Le Bris has issued injury updates on Brian Brobbey, Habib Diarra and Dan Ballard ahead of the clash at the Stadium of Light.

Childline held a 40th-anniversary celebration in London on Wednesday, a week after founder Dame Esther Rantzen died aged 86 following a cancer diagnosis. Geri Halliwell-Horner, a Childline ambassador, said Dame Esther had 'worked tirelessly' to establish the charity and 'would want us to honour her work' by securing its future. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said she 'changed countless lives and gave a voice to people who often went unheard'.

A wooden two-seater 'arbour' bench was stolen from allotments on Scarcroft Road between 7.30pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. A bicycle was also taken from a fenced compound at York Hospital on 17 September. North Yorkshire Police described the bench theft as unusual, saying it was 'not the usual thing an opportunist would take' given its size. They are appealing for anyone who saw the bench being removed or who has CCTV footage, particularly from near Telford Terrace. For the bike theft, police say CCTV shows a man taking the bicycle after it was locked in the compound near the south entrance.

Police are appealing for the public's help identifying a man in connection with an assault and robbery in Birmingham. The victim was left with a broken arm and ribs, and had items stolen from him. CCTV images of the suspect have been released.

An 18-year-old man has been charged after a 38-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted on Arbirlot Road in Arbroath on Monday morning. Police were called to the incident at around 06:10. The suspect appeared in court and was released on bail pending further examination.

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Spencer Stastney from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for forward Filip Hallander early in the regular season. The trade saw the Penguins send forward Filip Hallander to Edmonton.

Shabir Pandor, the former leader of Kirklees Council, is calling for a vote of no-confidence against Sarah Wood, the current Reform leader, following remarks she made. Pandor has urged sitting opposition members to take action.

A Scottish school has replaced Christmas cards with winter cards in an effort to be more inclusive. Parents have objected to the decision.

Actress Mia Goth has filed for divorce from actor Shia LaBeouf after nearly ten years of marriage. The 32-year-old filed court documents on Tuesday night, citing irreconcilable differences and listing their separation date as July 28, 2025. Goth is seeking primary custody of their four-year-old daughter, Isabel.

Bulgaria's president has attributed a significant deterioration of the security environment in the Black Sea region to Russia's war against Ukraine.

Competitive eater Leah Shutkever visited The Crown Inn in Powick, Worcestershire, to attempt the pub's 999 Emergency Mixed Grill Challenge. She completed it in 9 minutes and 59 seconds.

Severe delays are affecting multiple routes across Somerset. The M5 southbound from Junction 19 to Junction 20 is experiencing delays due to an obstruction, whilst the M5 northbound between Junction 25 near Taunton and Junction 23 near Bridgwater is facing delays of nine minutes with average speeds of 15 mph. Separately, the A371 in Dulcote is closed in both directions following a serious crash between the B3129 Durston Road and the North Wootton turnoff, with stationary traffic reported in the area. A broken-down vehicle on the Avonmouth Spur Westbound at the M5 Portway roundabout is also causing slow traffic with one lane closed.

Universities in Northern Ireland are facing "death by a thousand cuts", leading professors have warned MLAs. Professor Sir Ian Greer, vice-chancellor of Queen's University Belfast, said the university had to turn away 500 local students in the 2026-27 academic year due to lack of funded places. The Stormont Executive's failure to set a budget six months into the financial year has left Queen's with a teaching grant reduction of around £4 million and an £8 million capital reduction.

Australia's last Test tour of South Africa in 2018 was marked by significant tensions, described as one of the ugliest series since Bodyline. Officials are now confident that relations between the two sides have improved.

Ken Paxton, the Texas Republican running for Senate, privately told donors and lobbyists that rising fuel prices caused by Donald Trump's Iran war were hurting his party's electoral chances, with diesel costs exceeding $6 per gallon affecting voters. Paxton called affordability Republicans' 'biggest problem' heading into the midterms, acknowledging polling showed Democrats ahead in many competitive races including his own. The remarks, leaked from a September fundraising event in Washington, emerged hours before Trump joined Paxton at a San Antonio rally.

Australian business leaders are arguing that prospective migrants wanting to travel to Australia for apprenticeships should be eligible for student visas.

Standard & Poor's has warned that the federal government and Reserve Bank are working against each other in efforts to control inflation. The ratings agency says record government spending is contradicting the Reserve Bank's attempts to fight price rises.

President Trump has approved $17.9 million in disaster relief for Wisconsin following storm damage. He announced the decision via Truth Social and called Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany to inform him. Governor Tony Evers said he had 'zero information' about the approval.

A federal government inquiry into artificial intelligence will examine domestic matters, including how to ensure businesses are on board for the long run.

Reality TV star Sam Wood, 46, has been refused bail in Queensland court after being charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting following an alleged incident at a Noosa holiday home on Saturday evening. He has been transferred to Brisbane Correctional Centre and is expected to take his bail bid to the Supreme Court of Queensland.

Canada's federal government will indefinitely suspend plans to expand its medically assisted dying law to people whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. The expansion had been scheduled for March 2027 but a parliamentary panel recommended against it earlier this year, citing lack of consensus on eligibility. Justice minister Sean Fraser announced the suspension on Wednesday, saying the government believes this is the correct approach at this time, though he acknowledged the issue may eventually reach the Supreme Court.

Plans for a secure, bookable dog exercise area near Sutton-in-Craven have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council. The proposals include fencing, parking and a dog wash facility.

Plans for a secure, bookable dog exercise area near Sutton-in-Craven have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council. The proposal includes fencing, parking and a dog wash facility.

Jon Rahm will leave LIV Golf after his lawyer told a bankruptcy court that the Spanish golfer had independently reviewed the terms for the league's proposed restructuring, called LIV 2.0, and deemed them unacceptable. LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its multibillion-dollar funding at the end of this season. The league has since secured possible $300m in financing from BC Partners Credit. Rahm and LIV are in advanced discussions for a separation agreement, which both sides hope to finalise by October 15 ahead of a court hearing on November 5. Rahm was one of LIV's highest-profile signings when he joined from the PGA Tour in December 2023 for a reported £222m and is currently listed as the league's largest unsecured creditor, owed $7.5m.

SpaceX has called for better coordination and data-sharing among satellite operators to prevent collisions in orbit after Starlink experienced near-misses with other spacecraft. Michael Nicolls, SpaceX's vice president for Starlink, made the call at the International Astronautical Congress in Turkey, warning that conjunctions of tens to hundreds of metres are too close for comfort. With Starlink operating over 11,000 satellites and multiple other megaconstellations planned or deploying, improved information-sharing is essential to manage collision risk.

A Land Rover driver narrowly avoided a driving ban after being caught speeding on the M5 motorway near Worcester. The driver exceeded the speed limit by 9mph.

Police in North Yorkshire are searching for a dishevelled man. No further details about the search have been provided.

A journalist stayed at the four-star Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa in the Lake District with her border collie puppy. The 400-acre hotel, situated on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake near Keswick, welcomes well-behaved dogs as guests and offers them their own luxury experiences.

A bomb disposal team was called to Penryn on Friday after a grenade and cannonball were discovered. Residents in a cul-de-sac were temporarily evacuated while police cordoned off the area.

Police carried out a two-day operation in South Devon targeting unsafe drivers and vehicle crime. Nine people were arrested and four vehicles were seized during the operation across several areas.

Royal Mail has announced plans to cut up to 2,500 jobs by the end of 2027 affecting head office and support function roles. The cuts are part of a transformation programme as letter volumes have declined by more than 70% since their peak and customer demand for parcel delivery grows. Chief executive Alistair Cochrane said the changes would remove duplication and allow further investment in customer service.

Former Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has departed the team following a contentious contract dispute. Porter Jr. says he is eager to face Pittsburgh in future matchups. The Steelers have signed two cornerbacks from other teams' practice squads to help address the secondary.

Craig Morris, 43, of Lytham St Annes, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Northampton Crown Court for money laundering and conspiracy to commit fraud. Morris and his boss Jogesh Bhandari, 60, made millions by creating sham deals for personal protective equipment at a time of desperate shortage during the pandemic. They falsely claimed they could supply vast quantities of nitrile gloves to US company Med18 and German firm MedTech. Morris used proceeds from the fraud to purchase a house and received regular payments of £5,000 from Bhandari before the pair fell out at the end of 2021. Bhandari's wife, Meenakshi Bhandari, 58, was also sentenced for money laundering.

European stocks fell as a bond sell-off continued, with yields rising. The decline occurred amid worries in Europe and the Middle East.

Eight products have advanced from the first round of the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska competition after tens of thousands of votes were cast. The contest narrowed the field from sixteen products to eight.

Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, based in Cushendall and Ballymena in Northern Ireland, has ceased trading after entering administration. The company, which began in 1972 and launched its Glens of Antrim Crisps brand in 2015, supplied potatoes and crisps to major UK and Irish retailers including Tesco and Sainsbury's. The closure has resulted in 95 staff being made redundant, with only a small number retained to support the administration process.

More than 325,000 people living in supported housing and temporary accommodation will be able to keep more of what they earn under new Housing Benefit rules that came into force on October 5. The change removes a benefits 'cliff edge' where taking on extra work or hours could result in Housing Benefit being cut faster than earnings increased, leaving some people worse off overall. The Government says almost 50,000 young people are among those expected to benefit.

US stock indices edged higher as oil prices retreated on easing Middle East supply concerns and US Treasury yields calmed. Oil prices fell after US President Donald Trump said the country will not attack Iran before US midterm elections next month. Brent crude prices were down about one per cent but still trading over $100 a barrel, while the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield held steady at 5.25 per cent. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq were headed for weekly gains despite pulling back over the previous two sessions.

A sexual assault was reported in York city centre at about 7pm on Wednesday, October 1. The Coppergate car park was closed and a nearby footpath connecting Piccadilly to the Castle Car Park was cordoned off under police guard the following day.

Residents at a Fareham care home received a visit from farm animals. The Southern Daily Echo reports the home also hosted a dog show, which residents enjoyed.

A strategic South West Water reservoir has fallen to just 18 per cent of its capacity. Special drought measures have been approved to protect the reservoir and secure water supply.

Craig Morris, 43, and Jogesh Bhandari, 60, have been jailed for a multi-million pound scam involving Covid PPE deals. The pair set up an umbrella of companies in 2020 to trade in millions of boxes of nitrile gloves, subsequently spending hundreds of thousands of pounds on luxury goods.

A teenage boy took a knife to a Norfolk school with the intention of killing other pupils and attacking a teacher, a jury has heard. The court was told he drew up a list of victims and studied serial killers.

Community groups in Michigan are hosting events to explain how elections work ahead of the November 3 midterm election. The initiative aims to build voter confidence and encourage residents to participate by sharing their views on the election and issues that matter to them.

Disney announced Wednesday that Super Bowl LXI will stream on Disney+ on 14 February 2027, along with ABC and ESPN broadcasts. The game will be available in more than 55 international markets. Disney+ will also air two Monday Night Football games: the Dallas Cowboys versus Philadelphia Eagles on 26 October, and a second game to be announced. This marks the fourth consecutive year a Super Bowl will be available on a streaming service.

Brandon McGirl caught a 1,116-pound bluefin tuna off New Hampshire, breaking the state's previous record by more than 150 pounds. The catch was made from Captain Savage's boat.

A Horsham district councillor has been suspended from the Liberal Democrat group and is now serving as an Independent. The suspension follows a dispute related to the Equality Act.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating voter registration groups as part of a federal probe into alleged noncitizen voter registration. According to internal documents obtained through a freedom of information request, ICE's Homeland Security Investigations division obtained over 48 million records from Heather Honey, a right-wing election activist and current deputy assistant secretary for election integrity at the Department of Homeland Security. The documents show ICE is exploring using data analysis tools normally used for deportation investigations to target alleged noncitizen voters.

Repair work on Lower Kirkgate, one of Leeds's oldest streets, is set to begin later this month following the partial collapse of an 18th-century building in April 2024. The road has been closed to traffic since the collapse. Leeds City Council has awarded a £680,000 contract to Geo Houlton and Sons for a 20-week repair scheme due to be completed by March 2027. The cost of the repairs rose by more than £260,000 from an initial estimate, with the council setting aside £700,000 and intending to recover the costs from the building's owners after serving Urgent Works Notices.

Invasive red swamp crayfish have been confirmed for the first time in Cass County, Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The discovery was made last month during a snorkel survey near Niles. The species, native to the southern United States, aggressively competes with native crustaceans, amphibians and fish for food and habitat, and has been prohibited in Michigan since 2014.

James Pettican, of no fixed abode, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and destroy or damage property after a fire broke out at a house in Droitwich. The 48-year-old was arrested on suspicion of arson.

Plans have been submitted for a major upgrade of Macclesfield Rugby Union Club at Priory Park, funded by the development of an 80-bedroom care home and 22 one and two-bed bungalows. The sports facilities upgrade would include a new 3G main stadium pitch, additional playing pitches, improved lighting and drainage, an upgraded clubhouse and changing rooms, and a new gym. The facilities would be shared by Macclesfield Rugby Club, Lacrosse UK and local football clubs. The 9.1-hectare site is in the green belt, though the applicant argues it meets grey belt criteria.

Earlston Bennett was convicted of murdering his partner Sarah Reynolds in Croydon following a prolonged period of abuse. He was also found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour.

Norfolk has been named one of the UK's luckiest counties after 508 Premium Bonds winners shared £1.19m in the October 2026 draw, ranking fifth nationally.

A man in his 30s was arrested on Friday following reports of suspicious behaviour in the Stanway and Lexden areas of Colchester. He was arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency and a public order offence after allegedly acting suspiciously on multiple occasions in Straight Road. He has been released on bail until December with strict conditions including a ban on loitering within 100 metres of schools, colleges, playgrounds and youth facilities, and a prohibition on contacting anyone under 18 without parental approval or photographing minors in public without consent.

Adelaide 36ers coach Trevor Gleeson accused referees of targeting him after his team's loss to Melbourne United. He also said his players were 'scared' during the match.

Cybersecurity researchers from Lumen's Black Lotus Labs have discovered malware called PoeLLM that infects vulnerable servers and uses poems posted on GitHub to locate its command-and-control server. The malware extracts specific words from AI-generated poems and decodes them into an IP address, allowing it to receive further instructions. Researchers describe the technique as 'adversarial poetry' and say it is unprecedented. The attacker appears to originate from or be based in Italy.

Dejan Kulusevski has not played competitively for more than 500 days following a serious kneecap injury sustained against Crystal Palace in May 2025. The Swedish winger required two separate surgeries over ten months and experienced setbacks during his recovery. He returned to full training on 1 September and has since played in an 11-a-side match between Tottenham's first team and academy players during the international break. Manager Roberto De Zerbi said Kulusevski is 'an example for everyone' and that his return is close, though he did not specify when the player would be available for competitive action.

The University of Arizona has suspended all Interfraternity Council chapters' activities following multiple misconduct reports. The dean of students cited allegations of physical assault, drugs and alcohol, hazing and creating unsafe environments for students.

Doncaster Rovers boosted their EFL Trophy hopes by beating Liverpool Under-21 in their first home win of the season. The victory improved the Doncaster Free Press reports the club's chances of progressing to the knockout stages of the competition. Sheffield Wednesday also progressed in the EFL Trophy, beating Sunderland Under-21s.

Fly-tipping remains a significant problem in East Lancashire towns, including Blackburn, even though the borough carries out more enforcement action against the issue than most areas in the country. One recent case saw a fly-tipper issued a fixed penalty notice after dumping 20 bags of waste on Wolseley Street in Blackburn. The council is targeting the problem with a £505,000 plan.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has voted to condemn a proposal to charge motorists 50p to £1.50 to use a six-mile stretch of the M65 between junctions 10 and 14 near Burnley. Reform UK councillor Joel Tetlow floated the idea at Lancashire County Council during a meeting about £15 million needed to fix flooding issues. Reform has since distanced itself from the proposal, with the party's leader requesting the motion be withdrawn.

Westmorland and Furness Council is inviting businesses to take part in 'netwalking' events this autumn on the new Westmorland and Furness Way, a 120-mile walking route across Cumbria. Four sessions, each covering around five miles, are planned daily between October 12 and 15, with locations ranging from the Eden Valley to the Furness Peninsula.

Zoe Arnold-Bennett of Shed One Distillery in Ulverston is featured in a local Meet the Chef series discussing her work in the kitchen, including the use of botanicals in afternoon tea.

A fresh bid has been submitted to turn a semi-detached house in Sutton into a 10-person HMO after controversial plans were refused earlier this year.

A consultation has opened on four competing proposals to restore and revive a Grade II listed 19th century former swimming baths in Lewisham. The building's future will be decided through the consultation process.

Four regional news outlets across north-west England have published guides to help readers find the cheapest petrol and diesel at local garages. The guides, compiled using data from petrolprices.com, cover Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal, Carlisle and Whitehaven. The outlets note that prices were correct at the time of writing and vary based on information from users and garages.

Donald Trump threatened Wednesday to 'terminate' Chris LaCivita and James Blair, two key advisers to his midterm election efforts, after they were revealed to have been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars each advising a pro-Russian political party in Bosnia. The New York Times reported that the men travelled to the Balkans to work with Milorad Dodik's SNSD party ahead of the region's parliamentary election on Sunday. Blair currently leads MAGA Inc., Trump's main fundraising super PAC, whilst LaCivita is a senior adviser to the group. Trump said on Truth Social that whilst consultants are allowed to work for multiple clients, he would 'terminate' them if there was a conflict of interest.

Southampton were ejected from the Championship play-off final and docked four points this season after being caught spying under coach Tonda Eckert. Eckert received a six-week suspended ban.

A new daily pill called solengepras has shown promise in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms. Trial results found patients experienced 37 minutes less 'off' time each day—when dopamine drugs failed to work properly—with reduced stiffness, slowness and tremors, marking a potential major new class of treatment in decades.

The M55 motorway, which connects Preston to Blackpool and the M6, has been ranked sixth among the UK's most challenging motorways in a new study. The assessment evaluated collisions, traffic delays, road incidents and traffic flow.

Ruth Hansom, who grew up in Darlington, has been crowned National Chef of the Year at a London final on 6 October. Chefs from northern England took the top three places in the competition.

An Aylesbury pub has reopened following a £250,000 investment and a new management team has taken over.

A proposal to convert a vacant care home in Mansfield into 12 flats is likely to be approved after planners deemed the scheme 'acceptable'. A final decision on the plans is expected later this month. The care home closed more than five years ago.

Nebraska Public Power District is warning equipment operators to be alert to power lines as harvest season continues into October. The safety reminder comes as farmers operate machinery in fields where power lines may pose a hazard.

A 20-year-old man wanted for allegedly failing to attend court over drug dealing offences could be in York, according to police. The man is being sought for the missed court appearance.

Christopher Zebroski, a 39-year-old former Swindon Town youth footballer, has pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm at Swindon Magistrates' Court. The assault occurred on 24 June when Zebroski approached an older man sat on a bench in Swindon town centre, poked him, and after the man made a comment towards him, headbutted him and knocked out one of his teeth, leaving a significant purple bruise under his eye. A second assault charge from the same day was dropped. Zebroski has previous convictions: in 2015, his contract with Newport County was terminated after he was sent to jail, and he admitted four charges of robbery, attempted robbery and assault relating to two incidents.

Competitive football has returned to Strike Lane Primary School in Freckleton after more than 10 years. The resumption of the sport marks a new era for the school, with one former player noting the lasting impact of school football from his own childhood 43 years ago.

Norfolk County Council has announced free hazardous waste collection days this autumn for paint, aerosols, chemicals and other hazardous materials. Bookings are required to use the service at the county's recycling centres.

A delivery driver followed a woman into her home and sexually assaulted her. No further details were provided by the outlets.

A man died following a medical emergency in Kelvedon Hatch, Essex, on Wednesday morning. Emergency services were called to Blackmore Road at 7.25am. Essex Police said his death, although unexpected, is not being treated as suspicious.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off Los Angeles on Thursday after spending seven and a half months at the International Space Station. The Dragon capsule, named Freedom, landed about 50 miles west of the city at 8:34 a.m. Pacific time. The crew comprised NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.

A crash involving a lorry and a car at Townsend Roundabout in Bere Regis caused severe delays on a major Dorset route on Friday, October 9. Emergency services were called shortly after 11.20am. Traffic built up on the eastbound carriageway, where the dual carriageway narrows to a single lane. Dorset Police confirmed no injuries were reported and the collision was cleared by early afternoon.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will miss Sunday's Premier League match against Manchester City. Isak suffered a thigh injury playing for Sweden against Romania, while Gakpo picked up an ankle injury representing the Netherlands against Serbia after being on the receiving end of a strong tackle. Iraola said neither injury appears long-term, but both players are not ready for the fixture. The absences leave Liverpool short of attacking options, with the manager suggesting Lewis Koumas, the 21-year-old Wales international, could feature.

A man has appeared in court charged with assault to the danger of life after a pedestrian was hit by a car in Glasgow city centre. Adeel Asim, 34, was initially charged with attempted murder following the incident on Glassford Street at around 4.35am on Sunday, 4 October. The pedestrian was taken to hospital for treatment. At his court appearance on 8 October, Asim made no plea and was granted bail pending further examination.

A man was threatened and attacked with a machete as an armed robber attempted to steal his phone in Birmingham city centre. The incident occurred near a major West Midlands railway station. British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses.

France has suspended the use of stun grenades in policing student protests after a 15-year-old boy's hand was blown off during a confrontation with riot police in the northern city of Lens on Monday. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said there was a 'strong possibility' a non-lethal stun grenade caused the teenager to lose his hand. The suspension will remain in place until clarity emerges around the incident. Student demonstrations, ongoing for more than two weeks, are driven by anger over poor school infrastructure, teacher shortages and inadequate funding. Rights groups and political opponents have accused police of using disproportionate force. More than 500 schools remained closed on Wednesday as protests continued, with unions planning further street marches.

Communities across Cumbria have raised more than £13,000 in a month-long suicide prevention campaign led by Every Life Matters throughout September. The campaign involved candlelight gatherings, peer-support networking events, community activities and suicide prevention training sessions. Chris Wood, CEO of Every Life Matters, said the month was 'incredibly moving and powerful', with people coming together 'to remember, to talk openly, to raise awareness and to take action'.

Police have named an 11-year-old girl who was found dead in Worcestershire. The child was discovered in Elmley Castle.

Demolition work is under way on a historic cinema in Oxford city centre to make way for a new hotel complex.

Singer Liam Gallagher has said he was offered a spot on The Celebrity Traitors but turned it down.

A critically endangered pine marten has been spotted at Benacre National Nature Reserve on the Suffolk coast, in what is believed to be the first live sighting of the species in Suffolk. The elusive mammal was captured on camera at the nature reserve.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport is exploring the possibility of hosting a Christmas market later this year.

Scientists have discovered how Mars's largest cloud forms. The Arsia Mons Elongated Cloud stretches 1,800 kilometres and appears each spring and summer in Mars's southern hemisphere, growing and fading daily for several months. Researchers using the European Space Agency's Mars Express spacecraft found it forms through homogeneous ice nucleation, in which water vapour freezes directly into ice particles without needing dust or other material to condense on. Lead researcher Jorge Hernández-Bernal said the physics involved is 'exotic' and 'while included in textbooks, is treated as theoretical and usually thought not to happen in nature'. Wind flowing over the 20-kilometre-tall Arsia Mons volcano lifts moist air rapidly, cooling it so much that ice crystals form directly.

Shah Baz Khan has described a terrifying assault between a man and a woman at a hotel with a history of accommodating migrants.

Cheikhou Kouyate, who played for West Ham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, has announced his retirement aged 36. He has revealed that he kept a heart problem secret throughout his career, according to the Daily Mail, never even telling his family about the condition.

During Game 3 of the NLDS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night, a Dodgers fan wearing a Yoshinobu Yamamoto jersey caught a foul ball. When nearby spectators urged him to give it to a young child supporting the Braves, he declined, saying he felt bad but would not hand it over. The video went viral, reaching millions of views, and has sparked debate over whether adult fans are obliged to give caught balls to children.

Suffolk County Council has delayed its devolution decision to 12 November amid rumours of earlier mayoral elections. The council is also in talks with Norfolk over funding and authority plans.

A woman in her 80s was killed in a collision with a van on Bridge Road in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, on Tuesday afternoon. Police have launched a witness appeal as they investigate the death.

Bradgate Park has warned that an advertised Halloween scarefest event at the venue is fake. The BBC reports that three of nine locations allegedly hosting events listed on a website said they were fake. The park has experienced 'constant' scams recently.

Ninja has launched a Belgian waffle maker in the UK for £99.99. The appliance stands upright with a pouring funnel at the top, using what Ninja calls 'Vertical PrecisionPour Technology' to distribute batter evenly without flipping. It offers five crispiness settings and comes with a specially designed pouring cup to minimise mess.

Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell, 38, of Wellington Road in Rhyl, has been charged with murder following the discovery of a woman's body in a burning van on Gas Works Lane in Prestatyn on Sunday, 4 October. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 11.30pm. Bell was arrested on Monday and appeared in court, where he was remanded in custody. The victim has not been formally identified. The court heard that the woman was alive when the fire began, and that Bell's legal team said he would deny the charge. A plea hearing is scheduled for 27 November, with trial provisionally set for April 2027.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has been handed a suspended six-week ban by the FA for his role in the Spygate scandal. The German manager was fined £28,000 and reprimanded after admitting three charges of bringing the game into disrepute. He authorised club interns to spy on the training sessions of Middlesbrough, Oxford United and Ipswich Town ahead of fixtures. The ban is suspended until the end of next season, meaning Eckert can continue managing immediately.

Tate Britain is opening an exhibition titled 'The 90s: Art and Fashion' on 8 October, running until 14 February 2027, which explores 1990s British cultural experimentation beyond well-known names like Oasis and Alexander McQueen. The show includes 70 contributors and is curated by Edward Enninful, who aims to highlight voices from communities underrepresented in mainstream discourse at the time, particularly artists of colour and women.

Andrea Berquez, a prolific shoplifter, was arrested after fleeing an M&S store in Tunbridge Wells. CCTV and bodycam footage captured the chase and apprehension by plainclothes police officers.

Chinese fitness influencer Sun Yuanyuan, known as Abeeeer on social media, was caught cycling during the Berlin Marathon in late September and has been disqualified. A photograph showed her on the back of another person's bicycle between the 35km and 40km marks. She apologised, admitting she felt unwell but that this did not excuse breaking the rules. Her sponsor Brooks China ended their relationship with her following the incident.

Fitzpatrick Fabrications Ltd, a Nelson sheet metal fabrication company, has been fined £48,000 after an employee suffered a crush injury to his hand, losing part of his right thumb.