Saturday, 24 October 2026

An apparent explosion caused a fire on Saturday at a Quaker Oats plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the world's largest oat milling facility according to the company. Firefighters responded at about 4:45 p.m. to find black smoke over the downtown area. All workers evacuated safely with no injuries, and the fire occurred in a section of the building not heavily populated with employees.

An explosion triggered a fire at a Quaker Oats plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Saturday afternoon. The facility, owned by PepsiCo and the world's largest oats milling plant, processes over 2 million pounds of oats daily. All workers evacuated safely with no injuries reported. The blaze occurred in an area not heavily populated with staff.

Former US President Barack Obama campaigned for Democratic candidates in Ohio and Michigan ahead of the 3 November midterm elections, launching a wide-ranging attack on the Trump administration. He accused President Trump of 'chaos, cruelty, corruption and incompetence', citing the war on Iran, family self-enrichment and White House renovations. Obama defended his 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and blamed the conflict for rising oil prices.

North Carolina State has fired head football coach Dave Doeren after 14 years with the programme. The decision came after the Wolfpack lost to Stanford 31-28, dropping their record to 3-4. Athletic director Boo Corrigan said Doeren had represented the university with pride. Running backs coach Todd Goebbel will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Doeren, who compiled a 98-73 record at NC State, will receive $10.3 million from the school for the three years remaining on his contract.

Gunmen on motorcycles attacked Binnari village in Taraba State, Nigeria on Friday, killing at least 10 people according to police. Survivors and a human rights group reported higher death tolls: residents said at least 20 were killed, while Amnesty International suggested the toll could be as high as 40. The attackers looted shops and took motorcycles before fleeing.

Kimi Antonelli won the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, his ninth victory of the season, and tightened his grip on the Formula 1 championship. The Mercedes driver started from pole position and made a strong start into the first corner to beat Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Antonelli could clinch the championship at the next race in Mexico City if results go his way.

N.C. State has fired football coach Dave Doeren after 14 seasons, with the decision announced a day after the Wolfpack lost to Stanford to fall to 3-4. Doeren, 54, had a 98-74 record and became the program's winningest coach, securing 11 bowl bids. However, N.C. State never won an ACC championship or reached ten wins under his tenure. Running backs coach Todd Goebbel will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled to establish himself at Real Madrid since joining from Liverpool in summer 2025, becoming third-choice right back under manager Jose Mourinho. The England international has been an unused substitute in four La Liga matches this season and has clocked fewer than 400 minutes. In Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Sevilla, both Alexander-Arnold and summer signing Denzel Dumfries were left on the bench as other players were deployed in the right-back role.

Alexander Volkanovski retained his UFC featherweight title by stopping Movsar Evloev at 4:54 of the second round at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The 38-year-old Australian overwhelmed Evloev with punches late in the round, sending him to the canvas before the referee intervened. Volkanovski earned his ninth featherweight title-fight win, tying Jose Aldo for the most in division history.

Luke Littler suffered a shock 10-6 defeat to Krzysztof Ratajski in the European Championship quarter-finals in Dortmund on Sunday, failing in his bid to win the one major title he has never won. The world champion averaged below 100 and hit only six of 16 doubles as Ratajski took a 7-1 lead before Littler rallied to 8-6. Littler missed a double seven in a crucial leg and failed to take out 121 in the next, allowing Ratajski to seal victory on D10. Ross Smith later won the tournament, beating Germany's Martin Schindler 11-8 in the final.

Thomas Markle Sr, 82, has admitted to paying for sex in the Philippines but denies allegations he possessed child sexual abuse images. His son Thomas Markle Jr reported finding such images at their father's former home in Cebu and told police and FBI investigators in July. Philippine authorities are investigating, with interior minister Jonvic Remulla telling the Guardian that preliminary signs suggest Markle Sr may be a 'possible sex offender of the grossest kind', though forensic analysis will take about a week. The Duchess of Sussex sent her father a final letter last year while he was in hospital after a leg amputation, reportedly telling him she knew of abuse allegations and that he would never meet his grandchildren. The Metropolitan Police has faced criticism after admitting it did not share a 2019 letter containing allegations about Markle Sr with other law enforcement agencies.

Josh Jacobs, the Green Bay Packers running back, has been activated to play in his season debut against the Detroit Lions on Sunday after spending the first six weeks of the season on the commissioner's exempt list following his arrest. The 28-year-old pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges stemming from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. The NFL investigation remains ongoing, though the six games Jacobs already missed can count towards any future suspension.

Australian unions have told a federal parliamentary inquiry that artificial intelligence poses safety and employment risks unless subject to stronger guardrails. The Transport Workers' Union warned of potential fatalities from driverless vehicles and said AI systems are creating surveillance and productivity pressures that endanger workers. A poll commissioned by the union found seven in ten of 1,506 people surveyed opposed fully automated taxis and trucks on Australian roads.

Roy Hazelwood, a 65-year-old Sydney grandfather, underwent deep brain stimulation surgery while fully conscious to control his Parkinson's disease symptoms. The procedure involved surgeons drilling into his skull and inserting electrodes deep into his brain while he remained awake. Hazelwood developed a tremor in his left hand in 2012 after operating a jackhammer, and was subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson's. After seven years of medication, taking tablets four or five times daily, he underwent the operation to improve his quality of life.

Tottenham defeated Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening in only their second league win at the ground in 36 years. Mike Penders scored an own goal on his full Premier League debut for Chelsea before Mathys Tel sealed the victory late on. Cole Palmer was sent off for Chelsea after two quick bookings. The win was Tottenham's second consecutive league victory, lifting them to 12th place.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that Britain must be ready for war by 2030, claiming adversaries could be in a position to attack within 1,000 days. Writing in The Telegraph, he said what has changed is not adversaries' willingness to harm Britain but their capacity, with their force strength and war economy potentially enabling an attack by 2030. The government has launched a 'Be Ready' campaign urging households to stockpile three days' worth of food, nine litres of bottled water, blankets, cash, first-aid kits, torches and wind-up FM radios to prepare for emergencies including cyber attacks and severe weather. Streeting said preventing the worst requires expanding Britain's capabilities to deter adversaries, and if that fails, ensuring the country is ready for war. Chancellor John Healey will announce defence spending increases in Wednesday's Budget, though the Daily Mail reports this will be a 'downpayment' rather than full plans to reach NATO's 3.5 per cent GDP target by 2035.

The government has announced it will devolve more powers to local leaders and allocate £285 million in transitional seed funding next year to support mayors across England. Prime minister Andy Burnham said the move will end local leaders 'going cap in hand to Westminster'. York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith welcomed the announcement, saying the extra cash and powers will help improve bus services, build more homes, create jobs and upgrade digital connectivity. Mayors will also work with the government to design a new £1.5 billion borrowing facility from 2028.

Michael Carrick is regularly consulting Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he battles to save his job at Manchester United. Carrick faces pressure after United have won only two of their opening eleven games and suffered a heavy European defeat in Como. The 45-year-old, who beat Solskjaer to the head coach role in January, says he speaks to both men regularly and is close to them.

English mayors and regional leaders will receive £285 million in initial funding next year and expanded powers to make investment decisions independently, under plans to be announced in Wednesday's Budget. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the move would stop local leaders having to go 'cap in hand' to Westminster for investment funding. The government will also work with mayors to design a new £1.5 billion borrowing facility from 2028, giving them greater access to capital. Chancellor John Healey said the strategy aims to harness the 'untapped and wasted' potential within regions and cities. Areas without strategic authority status will be able to access a share of the money during a 'transitional period'. Strategic authorities will receive £150 million of additional funding next year to build their capability to manage complex projects.

Newcastle United won 2-0 at Crystal Palace on Sunday with a commanding second-half performance. Goals from William Osula and Harvey Barnes came in a 15-minute spell after half-time. Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards said his side 'lost the game more than they won it', attributing the defeat to their inability to compete after the break rather than Newcastle's superiority.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is planning to hire outside counsel to investigate seven Cornell University fraternity brothers accused of raping a female classmate. James came under fire for posting sympathy for the accuser on social media before being appointed special prosecutor on 1 October. Critics, including President Trump, called for her recusal, saying her comments showed bias. A lawyer for one of the accused has filed a petition seeking to block her from the role. James's office said it was seeking outside counsel help and asked a judge to dismiss the petition.

A cabinet split has emerged over the Rosebank oilfield in the North Sea. Chancellor John Healey backs approval of the project, which is believed to contain around 500 million barrels of oil, but Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, who has formal responsibility for the decision, is reportedly leaning towards rejecting it on environmental grounds. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is also opposed, having previously called such proposals 'climate vandalism'.

English schools suspended 7,278 pupils for sexual misconduct in 2024/25, the highest total since current recording began in 2020, with almost 40 suspensions every school day. This represents a 12 per cent rise from the previous year, despite overall suspensions falling. Children aged five or under accounted for 20 suspensions, including 19 in reception year, while pupils aged 13 and 14 were the most frequent offenders with 1,564 suspensions between them.

Coasters fell to defeat against league leaders Boreham Wood at Meadow Park on Saturday afternoon. The result sees Boreham Wood maintain their position at the top of the league.

Hugo Tekedam, a 24-year-old wide receiver for the Paris Musketeers, hopes Sunday's NFL game between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers will inspire French youngsters to take up American football. The sport barely registers on the French sports radar, which is dominated by soccer. The Musketeers, France's first fully professional American football team, see the game as an opportunity to boost awareness of the sport in the country.

Yasmin Wessels, daughter of New Zealand tulip growers, founded The Flower Loop at age 20 to collect and recycle plastic bouquet wraps. Now 24, her business has diverted over seven tonnes of plastic—one million flower sleeves—from landfill and she hopes to expand to Australian flower markets.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for an 'honest discussion' about returning to EU freedom of movement, arguing that immigration patterns have changed since Brexit. He told the Sunday Times that pre-Brexit EU migration involved temporary 'revolving door' movement, whereas post-Brexit migration has become more permanent. Burnham said he wants to see Britain rejoin the EU 'in his lifetime' but ruled out major changes during this Parliament. Opposition figures, including Reform leader Nigel Farage and Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp, accused him of betraying the 2016 referendum result. Downing Street later clarified that no decision has been made on freedom of movement, and Burnham insisted any change would require public approval, possibly through a referendum or election manifesto.

The Archdiocese of New York has agreed to pay more than $800 million to settle claims from approximately 1,300 survivors of sexual abuse by clergy members and lay leaders. Each survivor will receive at least $250,000, with larger payouts possible depending on the severity of abuse. Archbishop Ronald Hicks confirmed the settlement will be formally signed in early November after all parties – plaintiffs, their lawyers and the archdiocese – sign off. The agreement ends more than seven years of lawsuits and is the second-largest clergy abuse settlement in the United States, after an $880 million agreement reached by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2024.

Elon Musk acknowledged on Saturday that SpaceX had restricted Starlink satellite internet speeds in Ukraine, saying the military had violated the service's terms by using it for offensive drone strikes. Ukrainian defence technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov disputed this, saying civilian Starlink had existing speed restrictions of 43–56 mph within Ukraine that made offensive strikes impossible. Starlink and its military-focused Starshield service are critical to Ukraine's defence. Service was restored to previous speeds on Saturday after restrictions lasting more than a week had disrupted front-line operations.

Multiple flood warnings and alerts are in place across Cumbria as Storm Boelo brings high tides, strong winds and heavy rain. The Environment Agency has closed flood gates at affected areas including Skinburness Marsh, Maryport and Flimby as a precaution. Flooding is expected to continue through the early hours of Tuesday 27 October, with particular risk to low-lying land and roads along the coast from Silloth to St Bees and inland areas including Keswick and Carlisle. River and lake levels remain above flood warning thresholds, and further rainfall and strong winds are forecast. Residents are advised to avoid seafronts and harbours due to wave overtopping and to take care when travelling. Emergency services are on standby.

Thousands of Israelis held a large protest rally in Tel Aviv against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Tuesday's election, described as the most consequential in the country's history. The crowd called for a commission of inquiry into security failures that led to the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which sparked the war in Gaza. Netanyahu has refused such an inquiry, and his chief rival Gadi Eisenkot attended the rally.

Ina Garten has shared her method for creamy scrambled eggs, which relies on ricotta cheese rather than the crème fraîche favoured by Gordon Ramsay. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Garten said that cooking eggs at very low heat and adding ricotta produces a custard-like texture and gives the dish more creaminess and texture than traditional scrambled eggs.

Pete Banaszak, a former Oakland Raiders running back who spent his entire 13-year career with the franchise, has died at 82. He scored two touchdowns in Super Bowl XI, the Raiders' first Super Bowl victory, and led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns in 1975, a single-season franchise record that stands to this day.

Voters in the ultra-marginal Melbourne seat of Pakenham are abandoning the major parties for One Nation ahead of Victoria's state election next month. Residents cite cost of living, crime and infrastructure delays as their main concerns. One Nation is targeting Labor-held outer suburbs where the Coalition has polled poorly, with Pakenham a key opportunity after Labor's Emma Vulin announced she will not recontest the seat.

Lewis Hamilton topped final practice timesheets for the US Grand Prix in Austin, completing a Ferrari practice sweep after teammate Charles Leclerc led Friday's sessions. Hamilton's lap was 0.168 seconds quicker than Red Bull's Max Verstappen. McLaren boss Zak Brown said Ferrari looked like 'the team to beat this weekend'.

Powerhouse Parramatta, a $915 million museum billed as Sydney's biggest cultural project since the Opera House, opens in November with a sold-out launch weekend for 20,000 visitors. Chief executive Lisa Havilah has stood aside while a formal misconduct investigation examines allegations of governance and procurement issues following a whistleblower complaint. NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin is serving as interim chief executive.

No. 18 LSU ended an eight-game road losing streak in Southeastern Conference play by defeating Auburn 38-17 on Saturday. Quarterback Sam Leavitt completed 32 of 45 passes for a career-high 387 yards and four touchdowns, with wide receiver Jackson Harris catching nine passes for 178 yards and two scores. LSU scored on five of six first-half possessions to lead 31-10 at halftime. Auburn, coming off a victory over then-No. 1 Georgia, struggled offensively with quarterback Byrum Brown sacked six times.

Thomas Waddingham, an Australian striker at English Championship side Portsmouth, scored in the 82nd minute of Saturday's 2-1 victory over Millwall. The 21-year-old's goal came after an absence of nearly two years caused by multiple injuries. Making only his 14th appearance for Portsmouth, Waddingham came off the bench in the dying moments and scored after the ball ricocheted off his shin following a clearance attempt by Millwall captain Jake Cooper. Waddingham insisted the goal was intentional, saying 'I've heard a lot of people say I didn't mean it, so I definitely meant it!' He had spent ten weeks out with a surgically-treated ankle injury before returning to action.

Cincinnati defeated eighth-ranked Texas Tech 37-24 on Saturday. Quarterback JC French IV threw a career-high four touchdown passes and running back Cole Tabb had 173 rushing yards and a touchdown. It was Cincinnati's first home win over a top-10 team since 2006.

More than 2,000 homes across Suffolk lost power as 50mph winds from Storm Boelo brought down overhead lines and caused network faults. Affected areas include Framlingham, Baddingham, Hollesley, Thornham Parva, Eye and Woolpit. UK Power Networks said most homes should have power restored between 2pm and 4pm, though in some places repairs were taking longer than expected.

Aidan Chiles threw for three touchdowns for the third time this season and rushed for two others to lead No. 24 Northwestern past Rutgers 42-14 on Saturday for a fourth straight victory. Northwestern's defence dominated, sacking Rutgers quarterbacks four times. Rutgers starting quarterback Dylan Lonergan left after sustaining a blow to the head early in the first quarter and did not return.

Manchester United fans travelling to Sunday's 2pm match against Bournemouth at Old Trafford have been warned of severe transport disruptions. Metrolink lines serving the stadium—the Altrincham, Trafford Park and Eccles lines—are closed until 1 November for engineering works, with reduced services on the Airport and East Didsbury lines. Transport for Greater Manchester is urging supporters to depart at least an hour earlier than normal and offering alternative public transport including replacement buses and dedicated shuttle buses.

A zookeeper has been seriously injured after being attacked by a Persian leopard at Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek on Saturday morning. The woman, who has worked at the park for 25 years, was found by colleagues and transported to hospital where she underwent surgery for severe injuries. Her condition is described as 'worrying', with the Daily Mail reporting she remains in a coma.

Upper Bann DUP MP Carla Lockhart told thousands gathered in Portadown on Saturday that First Minister Michelle O'Neill 'must go'. The rally was held after an Orange Order parade from Drumcree Church down the Garvaghy Road was blocked, with Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant banning the march following a PSNI request. Ms Lockhart, who recently resigned as a DUP party officer, has argued the party should withdraw deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from the powersharing executive, which would automatically remove O'Neill from her position.

Comedian Bill Maher defended his second White House dinner with President Trump during his HBO monologue on Friday, telling critics to accept his decision to attend. The October 15 dinner also included sports commentator Stephen A. Smith and musician Kid Rock. Trump told reporters he enjoyed the meal and that Maher 'likes me a lot more than people understand'.

Harry Kite started for Exeter City against Fleetwood Town on Saturday, his first league match since re-joining the club in the summer after two years away from the EFL. The 26-year-old academy graduate replaced injured Jake Doyle-Hayes and played until the 78th minute. Manager Matt Taylor praised Kite's composed performance, highlighting his physical presence and quick reactions in midfield. Kite told BBC Radio Devon he appreciated the opportunity, having spent the past two years at Yeovil Town and Truro City in the National League after picking up a serious hamstring injury.

Actress Donna Mills, 85, who starred in Knots Landing, joined the subscription site OnlyFans in July. She revealed that subscribers request videos of everyday activities such as her brushing her teeth and doing Peloton workouts, but she refuses the teeth-brushing requests. Mills said she believes subtlety is sexier than total nudity and discussed potentially sharing unpublished photos from a Playboy photoshoot.

The Metropolitan Police is launching a pilot scheme to reduce enforcement of minor electronic tag breaches as the force struggles with increased demand following the Government's early release programme. Under the trial, which runs until spring, officers will not routinely investigate curfew or tag battery breaches lasting less than an hour unless the offender is considered high-risk, such as domestic abusers, or there is evidence of a crime. The Met responds to over 100 tag breaches a day. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has warned that most breaches result in offenders being bailed back on the same conditions with no sanction, and says officers are distracted by low-level infringements such as offenders briefly stepping outside their homes.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in the NFL's first regular-season game in Paris on Sunday at Stade de France. The match proceeded despite civil unrest in France the previous day, when an estimated 110,000 protesters took to the streets over public living costs and deteriorating services. NFL fan events were cancelled Saturday over security concerns, and the U.S. State Department advised Americans to exercise caution. Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers quarterback, overtook Peyton Manning for the third-most touchdown passes in NFL history during the game, finishing 19 of 30 for 212 yards. The stadium welcomed 78,488 fans in a festive atmosphere, with the police presence appearing neither heavy nor unusual.

Rangers defeated St Johnstone 4-0 at Ibrox, bouncing back from their goalless draw at Dundee. Kevin Kelsy scored twice, with Ryan Naderi and Tochi Chukwuani also netting. The victory closed the gap on table-toppers Celtic to just one point.

Larne defeated Bangor 2-1 on Saturday to end a three-game losing run. Manager Gary Haveron said the team needed to show 'grit' and avoid self-pity. Larne face Limavady United on Tuesday evening in their next Irish Premiership fixture.

Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday, three days before a general election, calling for an independent inquiry into the security failures that preceded the October 7, 2023 attacks. The protest was organised by families of those taken captive to Gaza. Opposition figures including Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party attended the rally.

Usman Khawaja has revealed he lived with rheumatoid arthritis for his entire international cricket career, which he kept secret for 17 years. Diagnosed at 22, the condition caused debilitating pain in his left knee and left him unable to walk more than ten metres; he feared initially that he had a terminal illness. Only medical staff and administrators knew of his diagnosis. Khawaja managed the condition with regular injections and played 88 Tests for Australia, scoring 6,229 runs and 16 centuries, before retiring after the Ashes in January. He kept the diagnosis hidden because he 'didn't want anyone to use it against me', fearing it would compound existing stereotypes. His autobiography, Sabr, is to be released on 10 November.

Chelsea lost 2-0 to Tottenham at Stamford Bridge, with the match pivotal on Cole Palmer's dismissal. Palmer received a yellow card for shoving Mateus Fernandes to the ground, then a second for a challenge on Conor Gallagher minutes later. Gary Neville suggested Palmer was fortunate not to see straight red for the push on Fernandes. Neville also claimed Morgan Rogers should have been sent off for a late challenge on Gallagher, calling it 'ludicrous'. Own goals from Mike Penders and a strike from Mathys Tel secured Spurs' first Stamford Bridge victory since 2018.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony is being held at the London Palladium on Monday, marking the first time the prestigious football award has taken place in England. The move is a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural award in 1956 at Blackpool town hall. Matthews' family, including his son Stanley Matthews Jr and daughter Jean, will attend. The ceremony coincides with the 70th anniversary of the award's founding by France Football magazine and reflects a UEFA partnership that has begun rotating the gala between prominent European sporting venues.

An exhibition showcasing artwork by people with learning disabilities and autism is running from 19 to 30 October in Oxford. Organised by Oxfordshire charity Yellow Submarine in partnership with Conways of Oxford opticians, the pieces were created as part of the charity's activities, including the art project This is My Oxford. The project gave participants the opportunity to explore and express what Oxford means to them.

Research commissioned by home appliance trade association AMDEA reveals that 70 per cent of consumers in the South East have ignored warning signs on large household appliances such as washing machines and dryers. Around 21 per cent admitted to replacing appliances at the first sign of trouble rather than attempting repair, with more than a third believing their last replaced item might have been fixable. Nationally, people spent an average of £399 on replacements over three years, with only 11 per cent contacting a repair engineer first.

First Light Fusion, an Oxford-based fusion energy company, has secured a contract with the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to conduct experimental research on graphite behaviour under high-velocity impacts. The study will involve firing steel projectiles at graphite targets at speeds exceeding 3km/s using the company's gas gun and pulsed power testbeds, replicating a 2017 study to validate experimental methods and measurement accuracy.

An archive photograph from 1980 shows Harriet Cross and Emilie Sloggett, both five, dressed as witches at a children's Halloween party at the Old Fire Station Arts Centre in George Street, Oxford. The event featured children in fancy dress competing in games including bobbing for apples and watching a show called The Magic Exploding Mixture, whilst parents enjoyed mulled wine.

The Hevelius Project 2026: Stars, Water & Earth will run from 20 to 29 October, offering hands-on workshops, talks and performances designed to inspire children and adults. Events are organised by the Oxford Polish Association in collaboration with the IF Oxford Science + Ideas Festival, Bodleian Libraries, and partners in the UK and Poland. Key highlights include children's creative workshops at Weston Library on 26 October inspired by astronomy, water and Polish ceramic patterns, a discussion on art and archaeology featuring Polish artist Alicja Patanowska and Oxford academic Professor Lambros Malafouris, and an evening concert by 16-year-old Polish pianist and composer Maria Bialas.

Blenheim Palace has launched a new corporate hospitality offering following a £12 million restoration. The estate will now provide bespoke banquets, private dining, and immersive experiences for business clients, ranging from multi-course banquets and Champagne receptions to intimate dinners in a State Room. Events can be tailored for conferences, awards nights, or company milestones, and the palace can accommodate groups from small gatherings to standing receptions for up to 250 guests.

Wood Farm Primary School in Headington recently held its Arts and Literary Month, bringing pupils face-to-face with artists, writers, political leaders and engineers through workshops and talks. Comic book artist Neill Cameron led sessions on visual storytelling, whilst pupils also encountered the work of artist Yinka Shonibare OBE. Pupils heard from Baroness Barker of the House of Lords and NASA engineer John Graf, offering insights into careers in public service and space engineering.

A new book exploring 900 years of royal history at Woodstock and Blenheim Royal Park is being launched on Saturday, November 7, at 10am outside Woodstock Town Hall. The 196-page volume covers the origins of the royal park, first enclosed by Henry I, and tells the story of Woodstock, Blenheim and neighbouring villages, including royal connections, landscape changes, local industries and wildlife. Profits from the book will be donated to charity.

Oxford writer Paul Armstrong has released his debut crime thriller 'The Blackthorn Pact' under the pen name P.J. Armstrong on October 14 in paperback and on Kindle. The novel follows Arthur Graves, a former Thames Valley detective inspector turned crime novelist, investigating a young woman's mysterious death that police rule a tragedy. Armstrong is already working on a sequel.

A pioneering cell therapy trial is underway at Oxford's Experimental Medicine Clinical Research Facility (EMCRF). The CHILL trial, sponsored by Quell Therapeutics, aims to find new treatments for severe autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis using engineered nTreg cells. This marks the first time Oxford has delivered such a trial for autoimmune conditions outside haematology-oncology settings.

Soldiers were deployed to Milan on Saturday as thousands of protesters marched through the city, one week after looting and clashes with police. Premier Giorgia Meloni announced measures including sending an additional 500 soldiers to Milan and tougher penalties for minors. Large demonstrations also took place across European cities including Madrid, Lisbon and Tirana, with protesters addressing education, corruption, anti-war issues, pensions and housing.

Embers from a log burner sparked a fire at a property in West Mersea, Essex on Saturday after being put in a wooden container. The occupants were out when the fire occurred and neighbours who saw smoke alerted Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. The blaze filled the property with smoke before crews extinguished it. Watch manager Dave Farrant urged people to ensure embers from log burners are completely cool before disposal, and to use a fireproof container rather than a wooden one.

Yemen's Houthi rebels say they have launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports, with military spokesman Yahya Saree claiming targets including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Aramco facilities. The Iran-aligned group says the strikes were in retaliation for Saudi coalition air strikes on Yemen, which the Houthis say totalled 100 in the past 24 hours. The Saudi-led coalition says it destroyed two ballistic missiles fired by Houthis towards Yanbu and Taif.

During Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, a TikTok influencer with over 479,000 followers brought a sign reading 'Angel will you marry me?' to State Farm Arena. Reese later commented on a video of the moment, saying 'Not in this lifetime but i have some fine friendsssss.' Reese is currently dating NBA player Wendell Carter Jr of the Orlando Magic.

Storms Austen and Boelo hit Suffolk within 24 hours, bringing winds of up to 55mph inland and gusts up to 80mph on exposed coasts. More than 2,000 homes lost power at the height of Storm Boelo, with some residents already experiencing outages from Friday. Numerous roads were closed including stretches of the A143 and A14, and rail lines were disrupted. The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for the tidal Deben estuary and the Suffolk and Essex coast, with high tides on Monday bringing further flooding risk.

Larry the Cable Guy has accused corporate America of applying double standards when deciding which entertainers are too controversial for advertising campaigns. Speaking on The MeatEater Podcast, he said satellite TV provider DirecTV passed on using him because his Southern accent and humour appealed to only one part of the country. He contrasted this with rappers who appear in major advertising campaigns, including Super Bowl commercials, despite lyrics about killing police and degrading remarks about women. He singled out Snoop Dogg but said he bore the rapper no ill will, attributing the disparity to corporate hypocrisy.

Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy faces bipartisan backlash over a campaign advertisement featuring the estranged mother of Democratic rival Amy Acton. Former President Barack Obama condemned the ad as crossing lines and lacking decency, campaigning with Acton in Ohio on Saturday. Trump and Vice President JD Vance have defended the advertisement, though Ohio Republican leaders including Governor Mike DeWine have called for its removal.

Apple has acknowledged an issue affecting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units, with users reporting cracks appearing within days or even hours of purchase. The cracks typically occur along the hinge, often preceded by stiffness and an audible pop. Repair sites iFixit and YouTuber JerryRigEverything have conducted teardowns suggesting the complex hinge design may be responsible, with dust infiltration and stress concentration potentially causing the failures. Apple says most units are not affected and users experiencing issues should contact AppleCare for replacement.

Russell Brand, 51, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court accused of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault relating to six women between 1999 and 2009. He denies all charges. Alleged victims told the court that Brand appeared charming before suddenly assaulting them in various locations including a hotel room, workplace corridors, a toilet cubicle and his bedroom, sometimes acting as if nothing had happened afterwards. His former personal assistant, Helen Berger, who worked for him from June 2006 to February 2007, told the court she witnessed him mistreating women and described his behaviour as 'on another level' compared to other celebrities she had worked with. The prosecution's case is expected to conclude early next week, followed by Brand's defence case.

Bristol moved to third place in the Premiership after beating Exeter 20-7 at Ashton Gate in difficult conditions caused by Storm Austen. Gabriel Ibitoye's try and James Williams' penalties gave Bristol a 13-0 half-time lead, with Exeter scoring a try through Greg Fisilau in the second half before Luca Ivanishvili sealed the win late on. The result was Bristol's fifth successive league victory over Rob Baxter's Exeter, leaving the Chiefs in ninth place with one win from four matches.

A man has been charged with murder after a body was found in a wheelie bin in Plymouth. Mohamed Abotaka, 36, of Grand Parade, Plymouth, is accused of murdering 52-year-old Ali Barzai. The body was discovered in a service lane off Grand Parade at about 06:40 on Wednesday. Abotaka appeared at Plymouth Magistrates' Court and was remanded into custody.

Malik Beasley, 29, is negotiating a plea agreement with the Department of Justice over charges that he altered his performance in at least four games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024 to benefit sports bettors and reduce his gambling debts. Beasley initially pleaded not guilty in July but his attorney said Saturday that negotiations with the government were underway. He is among six people charged in a federal gambling scandal that has involved more than three dozen arrests.

Troy Aikman has expressed uncertainty about his future at ESPN as he enters the final year of his contract. The former Cowboys quarterback told a Dallas Cowboys reporter that he is 'realizing how much I really do' in broadcasting for the first time, fearing the role could be taken from him. His comments come as reports indicate tension with broadcast partner Joe Buck, who recently signed a $108 million extension with ESPN without, according to the New York Post, informing Aikman beforehand.

Thousands gathered in Portadown on Saturday for a parade and rally supporting the Portadown Orange Order's campaign to complete their Drumcree march, which was halted by Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant following a two-week standoff. The event, which included 26 bands, proceeded despite Storm Boelo and featured speeches from local politicians and supporters. An ongoing judicial review is examining the decision to block the parade.

Telethon 2026 in Western Australia set a record for fundraising. At the Telethon brunch, Perth mother Pamela Campbell shared how watching the television soap opera Home And Away at 7pm each night on the hospital ward helped her survive while her son Callum was treated for leukaemia. Callum died from the disease in June 2021 at age five after spending 350 nights in hospital and undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant and two relapses. After Campbell's speech, Home And Away cast members who were in Perth embraced her on stage, and Seven offered to fly her family to Sydney to visit the show's set.

Perth Now and The West Australian publish a column by Nat Locke about her struggles with pilot lights. She describes receiving notice of a new gas meter installation and the subsequent need to relight her hot water system's pilot light, which she says she has struggled with for years across multiple properties.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta received his second yellow card of the season for leaving his technical area during Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Everton. Arteta has responded by claiming he is compiling footage of other Premier League managers repeatedly breaching the same rule without punishment, alleging one manager left the touchline '36 times in 10 minutes' with no yellow cards. A third yellow card would ban him from the touchline for one match.

The New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers will make NFL history on Sunday by playing the first regular season game in France, at Stade de France in Paris. The Saints (2-4) are seeking their second consecutive win after ending a three-game losing streak with a 34-27 victory over the New York Giants last weekend. The Steelers (4-2) aim for their third straight victory after recent wins against the Colts and Buccaneers. Saints kicker Daniel Carlson is particularly eager to return home after the match, as his wife is expecting their fourth child. He said the couple are 'praying really hard' he doesn't miss the birth, though they have received medical clearance for him to play. Weather conditions on Sunday may prove challenging, with rain forecast until shortly before the 2:30 p.m. local kickoff time.

Burnley have sacked head coach Nicky Hayen after only 14 games in charge, with the Belgian's final match a 4-1 defeat at Lincoln on Saturday that left the club 22nd in the Championship. Hayen won just one league match, a 4-0 victory at Watford, since his appointment in July to replace Scott Parker. The club announced his dismissal with a 26-word statement citing 'a disappointing start to the Championship season'.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels claimed they launched attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities and airports on Saturday, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted missiles and drones headed for several cities. Yemen's Saudi-backed government reported that the Houthis also fired three ballistic missiles at coast guard sites in Aden.

Storm Boelo battered Northern Ireland over the weekend with winds reaching almost 80mph in some areas. Around 12,500 properties lost power, though electricity has been restored to all homes. Flights and ferries were cancelled. Fresh weather warnings have been issued for strong winds on Monday evening into Tuesday, with gusts of 45–65mph expected in exposed coastal areas.

Storm Boelo has left hundreds of homes without power across the North West on Sunday 25 October. Wind gusts reached up to 84mph in some areas, bringing down trees and disrupting transport services. The Energy Networks Association reported that 785,000 households have been reconnected and 39,000 customers remain without power in Great Britain.

Two outlets have published opinion pieces criticising the Liberal response to a primary school row. Both use identical framing to suggest that the Liberals have doubled down on their position despite facing backlash, invoking the saying that one should stop digging when in a hole.

Cardiff City defeated Birmingham City 1-0 on Saturday with a goal from Yousef Salech in the first half. Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy revealed that the team's visit to Aberfan earlier in the week, marking the 60th anniversary of the 1966 disaster that killed 116 children and 28 adults, had inspired the performance. Barry-Murphy said he had not fully appreciated the suffering until visiting the memorial garden, and stressed to his players the importance of understanding what they were playing for.

Video footage showed long queues of shoppers trying to leave the Asda car park at Colchester's Turner Rise retail park following reported panic buying. One shopper reported the supermarket was 'rammed with people panic buying' and 'the shelves are empty'. The incident follows the government's 'Be Ready' campaign, which warns of potential disruptions from severe weather and cyber attacks.

Barack Obama is campaigning Saturday for Democratic candidates in Ohio and Michigan, two competitive states that will help determine control of the Senate. In Ohio, he will appear in Cleveland with former three-term Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is challenging Republican Jon Husted, and with Democrat Amy Acton, who is running for governor. Obama will then travel to Detroit for a rally with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official running for governor against Republican Mike Rogers. France 24 reports that Obama criticised the Trump administration, blaming the White House for rising living costs, a major concern for voters.

Laura Owens, 36, was sentenced to 30 days in county jail and seven years of probation after pleading guilty to four felony charges. She had falsely claimed in a 2023 paternity lawsuit that she was pregnant with twins fathered by Echard, 33, and demanded a paternity test and parenting plan. At her sentencing hearing, Owens apologised for the 'pain, distress and expense' she caused, but Echard argued she was 'sorry she got caught' rather than genuinely remorseful.

Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 at home with goals from Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes, moving level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City. However, Riccardo Calafiori suffered a slight injury late in the match that forced him to play upfront while Noni Madueke dropped to left-back. Manager Mikel Arteta said the issue appeared 'very small' but declined to specify its nature.

The New York Knicks said Saturday that more than 275 employees will receive championship rings worth over $3.7 million in about a month. The announcement sought to address what the team called 'misinformation' over the distribution of rings earned after winning their first title since 1973. Players received their rings on Tuesday before the Knicks opened the season against Philadelphia, but The Athletic reported that assistant coaches had not received theirs.

LIV Golf paid $15.6 million to retain seven executives, including $6.375 million to CEO Scott O'Neil, between Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund ending financial support and the league's September 8 bankruptcy filing. The payments are documented in court records filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey. LIV Golf is attempting to emerge from bankruptcy without backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which had spent over $5 billion since the league launched in June 2022. BC Partners Credit has pledged up to $300 million to support a restructured 'LIV 2.0', though several top players including Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia have already separated from their LIV agreements.

A fire at a recycling centre in central Phoenix sent a large plume of smoke over the city on Saturday morning. The blaze at AIM Recycling on McDowell Road near 22nd Avenue was reported shortly before 9:30 a.m. and upgraded to a second-alarm response due to its size and spread. No one was injured and the cause remains unclear.

Leicester defeated Northampton 28-7 in an East Midlands derby at Welford Road on Saturday. A 30-man brawl erupted at the half-time whistle, with Northampton and England back-rower Henry Pollock at its centre. Leicester captain and England team-mate Ollie Chessum grabbed Pollock around the neck during the scuffle. Pollock was substituted in the 53rd minute after the incident. Leicester head coach Geoff Parling said the confrontation may have fired up his team for their dominant second-half performance.

West Brom drew 1-1 with Championship basement side Preston. Head coach James Morrison expressed frustration with his team's performance, particularly over set-piece discipline, feeling they had gifted Preston a lifeline in the match.

The Australian Open held its first-ever runway show on Saturday at Melbourne's City Square during Fashion Week. The event showcased summer apparel including seersucker twin sets, pinstriped cotton shirts and coach jackets, with pieces from New Balance among the most popular. AO Edit stylist Jade Leung said tennis has successfully merged fashion, giving attendees freedom to express style alongside watching sport.

Four people were hospitalised after shots were fired from a vehicle outside a boxing event venue in Loganholme, south of Brisbane, at 8.15pm on Saturday. Police said the vehicle was witnessed leaving the scene and added there was no believed ongoing threat to the public.

Clocks moved back one hour at 2am on Sunday in the UK, marking the end of British Summer Time and the return to Greenwich Mean Time, giving people an extra hour in bed. The change will be followed by a return to British Summer Time on 28 March 2027. Meanwhile, experts are calling for Britain to abandon the practice, as about half the countries that once observed daylight saving time have now abandoned it.

Awer Mabil has impressed in his first game for Melbourne City since signing on a three-year deal over the off-season. The 31-year-old Socceroo, who recently attended his second World Cup, showed strong play in Saturday's 1-1 derby draw with Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park, taking four shots though none found the target. Coach Aurelio Vidmar praised Mabil's quality, saying he was 'excellent' and highlighting his fitness, strength and ability to play multiple positions.

A motorcyclist, a local man in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene after colliding with a red Audi on the A63 Selby bypass on Monday morning (26 October) at about 7am. A 31-year-old man from York, the driver of the Audi, has been arrested in connection with the incident and was being questioned in police custody. The man's family has been informed and is being supported by officers. Diversions remain in place while police investigate and recover the vehicles. Anyone who witnessed the crash or either vehicle beforehand is urged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Gold Coast player Dekota Baron was removed from Saturday's AFLW match against Richmond after a head collision with opponent Montana McKinnon in the first quarter. Coach Rhyce Shaw said he and the team's doctors initially cleared Baron to return to play, but the AFL Review Centre then intervened and ruled she must undergo a head injury assessment, then be sidelined for the rest of the match. Shaw said he was surprised by the intervention but acknowledged that player welfare must come first.

Storm Boelo battered Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England over the weekend with wind gusts reaching 85mph in exposed coastal areas. The second named storm in as many days after Storm Austen, Boelo triggered amber weather warnings from Saturday evening to Sunday evening. Two men were killed by falling trees: a man in his 20s in north London and a 60-year-old in Dumfries and Galloway. Tens of thousands of homes lost power, with around 90,000 still without electricity on Monday morning. The Met Office warned of danger to life from flying debris and crashing waves.

Dr Beth Upton, a transgender doctor who quit NHS Scotland after a tribunal brought by nurse Sandie Peggie, has relocated to Australia and works at Port Macquarie Base Hospital in New South Wales under the name Lis. She began work in the hospital's emergency department in April. A middle-aged female patient reportedly refused treatment from Dr Upton after recognising her as biologically male, with her family saying she feared being pressured into accepting the medic as female. Under Australian self-identification laws, transgender doctors face no legal obligation to disclose their gender history to patients.

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll will launch Labor's election campaign from a bus with a $1.5 billion pledge to cut emergency department wait times at 12 major hospitals by up to 25 per cent. The party aims for a historic fourth consecutive term. The investment includes hiring 1,500 health workers, 750 of them nurses, and providing 250 additional beds at hospitals including Bendigo, Footscray, Ballarat Base and Austin.

Donald Trump has rejected multiple polls showing his approval rating between 30 and 38 percent, calling the figures 'fake'. In an interview with The Washington Examiner, he claimed his actual approval was closer to 60 percent. A New York Times/Siena College poll this week put his approval at 34 percent, described as the lowest for a president approaching midterm elections since Harry Truman in 1946.

Police are appealing to trace a man with a distinctive crucifix tattoo following a bank card theft in the West Midlands. Detectives are asking the public for help identifying the suspect.

Kevin Kelsy scored twice as Rangers beat St Johnstone 4-0 at Ibrox, extending their winning run to seven matches in eight. Kelsy opened the scoring in the 29th minute, then added a second in the 65th minute. Ryan Naderi and substitute Tochi Chukwuani also scored. St Johnstone had substitute Kai Fotheringham sent off in the 74th minute for a high challenge. Rangers now sit one point behind leaders Celtic, who can restore a four-point advantage when they play Hibernian on Sunday.

Delta Goodrem is reportedly the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 contestant with the highest net worth at around £11.9 million, earned through her music and acting career. The Australian singer and actress finished fourth at this year's Eurovision Song Contest with her song Eclipse and is among several high-net-worth celebrities in the current series.

The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 20-3 to the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Running back Kenneth Walker III, who left Seattle as a free agent to sign a three-year, $43 million deal with the Chiefs, was held to just 36 yards on 14 carries. Walker skipped the traditional postgame handshakes with his former teammates, heading straight to the locker room as the game ended.

The Nebraska School Activities Association has released the High School Football State Championship playoff brackets for the 2026 season. The playoffs begin on 30 October and conclude on 24 November at Memorial Stadium. Brackets cover classes A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, D3 and D6, with full details available on the NSAA website.

A protest is planned against Nathan Cofnas speaking at Oxford University's Oriel College on 17 November in an event organised by Oxford Reform UK titled 'An Evening with Nathan Cofnas: Is DEI Undermining Higher Education?'. Cofnas accused the late Professor Jason Arday of plagiarism in his doctoral thesis; Arday resigned in August and died days later. Stand Up to Racism has organised the protest, claiming Cofnas 'came to prominence for his role in a racist witch hunt' of Arday. Cofnas responded that this characterisation 'tells you everything you need to know about their intellectual and moral standards'.

A man has died a week after a crash involving a DAF lorry and a silver Kia Sportage at a crossroads in Moulton, Lincolnshire. The collision occurred on 16 October at about 13:20 BST. The driver was taken to hospital but died on Friday. Police are continuing to investigate and have appealed for dashcam or doorbell footage from before the crash.

Plymouth Argyle secured a 3-2 victory at Cambridge United after manager Tom Cleverley switched from a 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3 formation. The tactical change, which saw Wes Harding play as a third central defender alongside Alex Mitchell and Julio Pleguezuelo with wing-backs Jack MacKenzie and Matthew Sorinola, proved successful after the Pilgrims lost their previous two games without scoring. The win leapfrogged Cambridge to move Argyle fourth in League One, inflicting a rare home defeat on the U's.

Gunmen opened fire on a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan during a funeral on Friday, killing nine people and wounding nearly 40 others. Three masked attackers armed with automatic weapons fired indiscriminately at people gathered outside the church, then returned to shoot those already hit and fired at the church facade itself. The motivation for the attack remained unknown, with no claim of responsibility. King Abdullah II directed authorities to respond with 'an iron fist' against what the government described as a 'terrorist' act.

A burst water main on Hook Road in Chessington flooded residential garages and vehicles on Saturday morning, initially leaving some customers in the KT9 area without water or with low pressure. Thames Water restored supplies to all affected customers by midday, though permanent repairs remain ongoing.

Six major nature recovery projects are being developed across Oxfordshire following publication of the county's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The projects include reintroducing the black poplar, Britain's rarest tree, to floodplains and restoring chalk grassland in the Cotswolds. The Oxfordshire Local Nature Partnership is leading the effort, which encompasses 15 projects in total with six highlighted for further development.

Boston United lost 4-2 at Eastleigh on Saturday despite scoring twice. Lenell John-Lewis and Jake Rooney equalised in the first half, but Eastleigh's Blair secured victory with a hat-trick. Boston remain in the drop zone. Manager Paul Hurst expressed frustration at the result despite his team's performance.

Bookies and data experts Opta have adjusted their forecasts for the final Premier League table following recent matches, including Leeds United's goalless draw at Sunderland. The predictions take into account results across the league, including performances by Manchester United, Chelsea and other clubs.

American households are buying less Halloween candy this year as living expenses squeeze budgets. Candy purchases fell 6.7% in the month ending 17 October compared with the same period last year, according to market research firm NielsenIQ, with an 11.7% mid-September decline wiping out gains from the previous two years. Candy and gum prices have risen 44% over five years, more than double the 22.5% increase in overall grocery costs, while chocolate prices alone jumped 7.7% over the past year.

Queens Park Rangers thrashed Swansea City 5-0 at Loftus Road. Richard Kone scored a hat-trick inside 15 minutes, with Jimmy Dunne adding two goals. Despite the heavy defeat, Swansea remain in the Championship's automatic promotion places. Head coach Vitor Matos said his side must 'listen to this performance' and learn lessons from their worst result of his tenure.

Oscar Bobb's first Premier League goal for Fulham earned a 1-0 win at Coventry in the 80th minute, lifting Álvaro Arbeloa's side clear of the relegation zone to 12th place. It was only his second goal for Fulham since his £27m move from Manchester City in January. The victory gave Fulham back-to-back Premier League wins and their first away win in nine attempts, a run dating back to February. Coventry, managed by Frank Lampard, remain second-bottom in 19th place. Fulham had the better of the match, with Josh King hitting the post in the first half, while Coventry created few clear chances against Bernd Leno in Fulham's goal.

Police have launched a manhunt for Anthony Lloyd, 38, who forced his way out of a medical facility in Lewisham on Friday at around 4.10pm. Lloyd was last seen heading towards Catford. He was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm relating to an assault on three emergency workers in Nottinghamshire and was serving a 12-month sentence. Police say he poses a risk to himself and the public and warn members of the public not to approach him.

Storm Boelo battered Cumbria over the weekend with severe winds and rain, toppling trees that blocked roads and railway lines across the county. Fourteen trains on the Carlisle-Newcastle route were cancelled, and services on other routes including the Cumbrian Coast Line and between Windermere and Oxenholme were disrupted. Electricity North West has restored power to 80,000 properties but around 4,500 remain without power, with full restoration expected by 6pm on Tuesday. Wind gusts reached 78mph at St Bees in West Cumbria, and the Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for the region from Monday evening into Tuesday morning.

A walker was found by rescuers after an overnight search on Scafell Pike in the Lake District when they spotted his flashing head torch. Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was called at 10.16pm on Friday, October 23, after the man was reported overdue. He was discovered at 2.40am in Upper Esk, where he had been sitting since around 6pm. His phone and power bank had run out of charge, leaving him unable to call for help.

Storm Boelo battered Scotland over the weekend with winds of up to 85mph, causing severe travel disruption and leaving thousands without power. An AirFrance flight from Paris was diverted to Dublin after being unable to land at Edinburgh Airport, whilst the Forth Road Bridge was closed and train services were cancelled. More than 30,000 homes lost power, and one man died after being hit by a falling tree. Another weather warning has been issued for Tuesday.

The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge has been named Walyalup, the traditional Whadjuk Noongar name for Fremantle, ahead of its official opening next weekend. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend. The name derives from the Noongar word for woylie, a small kangaroo-like mammal once found in the area. Walyalup Bridge will be Australia's first to combine cantilevers and cable stay supports.

Exeter City beat Fleetwood Town 2-1 at St James Park to move up to eighth in League Two, with only goal difference keeping them outside the play-off places. Charlie Cummins headed them ahead before Ronan Coughlin equalised from a free-kick, but Luca Woodhouse restored their lead with a finish from 25 yards. The victory was their fourth in five league matches and extended their unbeaten home run to nine games across all competitions.

Two south east London woodlands have been named among the UK's best places for autumn walks. Holiday provider Away Resorts ranked Joyden's Wood second nationally and Blackbush and Twenty Acre Shaw Woods fifth after analysing 70 woods across the country.

Three mountain rescue teams were called out after an emergency SOS reported an injured walker near Scafell Pike on Friday, October 23. Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted by Cumbria Police at 2.11pm after a second SOS message said a woman had suffered a hip injury and was unable to move. The group was initially thought to be at Sty Head, but was later located at Taylor Gill Force, with the party making its own way down towards Seathwaite.

Littlebigbox Limited, a web design and SEO agency based in Romsey, won the Small Business Award at the Test Valley Business Awards on 17 October. The win coincides with the company's 15th anniversary, marking its growth from founder April Hodge's spare room to an established business. Judges highlighted the company's reliance on repeat work and referrals as a sign of client trust.

Lockerley Estate, a 2,350-hectare site in Broughton, has won the Sustainability Award at the Test Valley Business Awards for its commitment to regenerative agriculture, woodland management and chalk-stream conservation. Over the past decade the estate has switched to zero-tillage farming, cutting fuel use and reducing purchased fertiliser by more than 50 per cent. A 28-megawatt solar project is expected to generate electricity for around 7,000 homes.

Nineteen walkers in dressing gowns completed a 5K walk through Ipswich on Monday, October 12, to raise funds for Cancer Support Suffolk. The group, which included cancer patients, supporters, and staff from the charity and Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa, started at Christchurch Mansion and finished at Riverhills in Bramford. Mark Murphy MBE, CEO of Cancer Support Suffolk, called it a fantastic fundraising event that attracted interest from passersby. The event was conceived by Cancer Support Suffolk ambassador Dave Courteen as a fun and light-hearted way to raise awareness and funds. Organisers hope the Robe-A-Thon will become an annual event.

Chesterfield beat Crewe Alexandra 5-1 at home in a dominant display. The Spireites' manager noted a 'ruthlessness' in their performance that had been lacking recently.

Chichester Cathedral has opened its latest Light Experience, bringing art to life through colour, motion and music. The exhibition, called Illuminating Art, is available during October half term.

Sheffield Wednesday have sacked manager Henrik Pedersen after losing to Doncaster Rovers in a derby match. The Doncaster Free Press reports the loss proved to be the final blow to Pedersen's tenure, with the Sheffield Star indicating back-to-back away defeats preceded the decision.

Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, with Ezri Konsa scoring his first goal for the club in the seventh minute and Gabriel Magalhaes adding a second-half header on his 200th Premier League appearance. The victory moved the reigning champions level on 21 points with Manchester City, who lost 2-1 to Aston Villa earlier in the day. It was Arsenal's seventh win from eight league matches and third consecutive Premier League victory since the international break. Everton, who made changes after losing to Chelsea, wasted chances through Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and have now lost successive matches.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, an Atlanta teacher, was thrown from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on 12 October and fell to his death. Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly announced on Friday that the park will add seat belts to Goliath and other coasters with similar restraints. The ride previously used padded lap bars rather than seat belts. Four other people were injured in the incident. The Goliath remains closed while authorities investigate. Eight other Six Flags rides at five parks with the same restraint system, manufactured by Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard, have also been temporarily shut down.

Beginner winter sports lessons are available on a 170-metre snow slope in Staffordshire, with a 60% discount offered on classes.

Avon and Somerset Police will give members of the public a rare look inside its control room in Portishead on Monday, October 26. Between 1pm and 9pm, the force's social media team will post anonymised details of calls and incidents on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The event is part of Control Room Week, intended to show the public the variety of work handled by call handlers, dispatchers, incident managers and switchboard operators.

Southern California's coast is preparing for several days of flooding as exceptionally high tides threaten homes, businesses and infrastructure. The National Weather Service has issued coastal flood warnings for Orange County through Thursday afternoon, with warnings and advisories also covering Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Tides are expected to reach up to 8 feet—as much as 1.7 feet above normal predictions—particularly during morning high tides Monday through Thursday, potentially inundating low-lying homes, beach parking lots and disrupting train service.

President Trump confirmed on Saturday that he is considering moving the White House press corps to a different location, describing it as 'less obnoxious'. He rejected a New York Times report that he planned to tear down the current James S. Brady Press Briefing Room to restore a historic swimming pool built during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, calling the idea 'a stupid thing'. The Times had reported in August that Trump had suggested to then-press secretary Karoline Leavitt that briefings be moved, though the plan was not enacted. Trump's remarks come amid escalating tensions with journalists, including his recent ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters from the White House, a decision a federal judge ruled likely unconstitutional.

Anthony Lloyd, 38, escaped from a medical facility in Lewisham at around 4.10pm on Friday, 23 October, after forcing his way out of the unit. He was last seen heading towards Catford. Police say he poses a risk both to himself and the public and urge anyone who sees him not to approach but to call 999 immediately. Lloyd is believed to have links to multiple regions across England including Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Merseyside.

Thames Valley Police have launched a manhunt after someone allegedly pulled down a garden wall and attempted to break a front gate at a property on Knights Road in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, at about 2.30pm on Thursday, October 1. Police described the damage as a 'random' act and released a CCTV image of a person they wish to speak to. A force spokesperson said: 'Randomly damaging people's property is not something we will accept and an investigation is ongoing.'

Storm Boelo battered Lancashire over the weekend, causing significant damage and disruption that continued into Monday. Around 600 properties remained without power, with Electricity North West hoping to restore supply by Tuesday evening, after the storm affected over 50,000 homes across the region. Train services across the North West faced major disruption, with Northern warning of cancellations and delays potentially lasting until the end of the day due to damage to overhead electric wires, signalling faults and stolen signalling cables. Fallen trees blocked roads and damaged properties, including one in Lancaster where a tree fell onto a house. Several attractions, including Blackpool Tower, closed while the storm's effects continued.

A sculpture by Dame Barbara Hepworth has sold for £6.19m at auction. The work had been expected to fetch between £5m and £8m at Christie's.

A gold Range Rover mounted and destroyed the Grade II-listed Howden market cross in East Yorkshire on Thursday 22 October. Two people were injured in the crash. Sir David Davis, the Conservative MP for the area, said he initially thought reports of the damage were false, calling the cross an important centrepiece of the town. He is in contact with the town council and expects insurance to cover repairs.

Anna Mochalova, 32, was arrested on Saturday and charged with hate crimes after allegedly stalking and stabbing a 26-year-old rabbi, Yosef, with a syringe in Manhattan's Diamond District on Wednesday evening. Police say she attacked another Jewish man, 37, about two hours earlier on the same street. Yosef, who wears traditional Orthodox garb, believes he was targeted because he is visibly Jewish. A prosecutor alleged Mochalova also confronted a third man but left him alone when he said he was Muslim. Mochalova's lawyer claimed on Sunday that the arrest may be a case of mistaken identity, though a judge set bail at $50,000 citing surveillance video evidence. Yosef returned to the Diamond District the next day to continue Jewish outreach.

Police have launched a manhunt for Anthony Lloyd, 38, who escaped from a medical facility in Lewisham, south London, at around 4.10pm on Friday after forcing his way out. He was last seen heading towards Catford but officers believe he could be anywhere in London. Lloyd has links to several other areas including Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Merseyside. Detective Superintendent Melanie Pressley, leading the search, said police were conducting 'various significant enquiries' to locate him. The Metropolitan Police warn he poses a risk both to himself and the public, urging anyone who sees him to call 999 immediately and not to approach him.

Food safety inspectors discovered two separate mice infestations within three months at Hot and Spicy on Coventry Road in Birmingham. Zulfiqar Khan, the restaurant director, pleaded guilty to six charges of breaching food safety and hygiene regulations at Birmingham Magistrates Court. Mouse droppings were found on food packages, cooking equipment, fridges and storage areas during inspections in September and December last year, resulting in the lowest food hygiene rating on both occasions. The court heard that pest control measures had been in place but failed to deal with the problem effectively, and that the business was affected by people dumping rubbish outside during bin strikes. Khan has since made improvements to the premises, and following an inspection in September this year, the restaurant's food hygiene rating rose to 'two'.

Police were called to a property on Winchester Road in Durley at 10.39pm on Friday, October 23, following reports of a party involving more than 300 people. Officers dealt with disorder, including groups fighting each other, and closed the road to manage crowds and ensure public safety. Some youths were detained until collected by parents, and Hampshire Constabulary said they would continue to make enquiries.

Joao Pedro has been ruled out of Chelsea's London derby against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday due to an injury picked up in training. The Brazilian striker, who has scored five goals and made three assists in the Premier League this season, is undergoing assessment. Manager Xabi Alonso said Pedro 'has some liquid' and the club needs to run tests to determine the severity of the injury.

Dacre, near Harrogate, won £1m on 25 October, with one resident receiving £378,272 and 88 other players sharing the remainder. A second village, Birdsedge near Huddersfield, won the Millionaire Street prize on 26 October, with 20 neighbours each receiving £45,454. Winners have announced plans including house moves, holidays and retirement.

Leeds United drew 0-0 at Sunderland on Sunday in windy conditions at the Stadium of Light. Goalkeeper James Trafford impressed despite the difficult weather. Leeds created chances late on, with midfielder Sean Longstaff forcing a save and seeing a close-range effort blocked in stoppage time, but failed to find the net with an expected goals score of 0.57. Defender Jaka Bijol said the team should have been more clinical and that the club's mentality needed to change as it develops.

Barack Obama rallied for Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for Michigan's open US Senate seat, at an event in Detroit on Saturday, the first day of early voting. Obama said El-Sayed was 'fighting for real change' and would complete work begun with the Affordable Care Act. The former president also criticised Donald Trump's record. Days later, Trump held a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, where he attacked El-Sayed intensely, calling him a 'jihadist' and a 'Muslim Brotherhood member' and suggesting he would be a national security risk. El-Sayed has vehemently denied ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and said he would disavow it at a recent town hall. He responded to Trump's attacks by joking that Trump could soon address him as 'senator'. The race against Republican Mike Rogers is one of about seven competitive Senate contests that could determine control of the chamber.

The Rumble Museum hosted a Victorian festival at Cheney School in Oxford, bringing the era to life through interactive activities, live demonstrations and hands-on experiences. Visitors explored a working Victorian forge, watched magic shows, and rode penny-farthings with help from the Penny Farthing Riders Club. More than 40 stalls and activities were on offer, with contributions from the History of Science Museum, the Bodleian, and Oxford Brookes History Department.

Oxford's Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences is joining a new £5.2 million national transplant network funded by the Stoneygate Trust and Kidney Research UK. The PERFUSE-UK network, connecting centres in Oxford, Cambridge, London, Newcastle and Edinburgh, will use normothermic machine perfusion technology to improve kidney transplant outcomes. The technique circulates warmed, oxygenated fluid through donated kidneys, giving surgeons more time to assess their condition and potentially rescue organs that might otherwise be discarded.

Sharon Ginn, a peer mentor at Turning Point's Roads to Recovery service in Oxfordshire, has won a national award at the Inspired by Possibility Awards for her dedication to supporting people and families through addiction recovery. Ms Ginn was recognised for welcoming clients, helping them feel at ease, and co-facilitating an online alcohol group. She has been sober for over four years and said she wanted to give back for the kindness Turning Point showed her during her recovery.

Three sponsored reservist pilots employed by AirTanker have been awarded their RAF wings in a ceremony at RAF Brize Norton. The pilots, who support military air transport and refuelling operations with the Voyager Force, were presented with their wings by Air Vice-Marshal Simon Strasdin. The award marks their completion of military flying training and transition from commercial aviation to operational RAF service.

Braithwaite Hall, a Grade II listed estate near Ripon in North Yorkshire, has been put on the market for £4.95m. The house, believed to date from around 1675 with 18th and 19th-century additions, sits within 300 acres of parkland, pasture and woodland on the edge of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The property comprises over 5,000 square feet of accommodation arranged around period reception rooms, with ornate carved oak gates opening onto a private drive through formal parkland and traditional barns.

A Christmas Carol Continues, a satirical sequel written by Olivier-nominated Jonny Donahoe in collaboration with Conor O'Toole, will run at Oxford's Old Fire Station from December 9 to 29. Set seven years after Scrooge's original redemption, the play reimagines him as a well-intentioned landlord whose personal generosity has not dismantled his grip on systemic wealth. Writer Donahoe said the show draws parallels with modern issues of wealth hoarding, stating 'we're surrounded by Scrooges who hoard insane levels of wealth' and suggesting 'we don't call them misers anymore—we call them billionaires'.

A three-bedroom detached house on Lodge Close in Bicester has been listed for £450,000. The freehold property, added to the market on 20 October 2026, features two bathrooms, an integral garage and south-facing rear garden. Its main feature is an open-plan kitchen and dining room with a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and rooflights, with full-width glazing and bi-fold doors opening to the garden.

Cow Roast, a tiny Hertfordshire hamlet between Berkhamsted and Tring, has a name derived from its historical role as a stopping point for cattle herds. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of an important Iron Age and Romano-British settlement near Akeman Street, including pottery, coins, tools and jewellery. The name is widely believed to be a corruption of 'Cow Rest' rather than 'Cow Roast', referring to where cattle being driven to London markets could rest overnight, with the surrounding land providing grazing, water and holding pens.

The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home is encouraging people to support its Buy a Dog a Dinner campaign by donating money they would spend on fireworks to feed rescue animals during Bonfire Night. The charity says fireworks season is frightening for vulnerable pets; the RSPCA reports that around 62 per cent of dogs show signs of fear when exposed to fireworks, which can cause them to panic, hide or injure themselves.

The AD-SMART study is the first UK Alzheimer's trial to use a multi-arm adaptive platform design, allowing researchers to test multiple treatments at once and quickly identify the most promising options. Led by the UK Dementia Research Institute and Alzheimer's Research UK, the trial brings together experts including teams from the University of Oxford and Dementias Platform UK. This approach is expected to reduce the time needed to test potential Alzheimer's drugs by more than half compared to traditional trials.

National Grid is consulting Didcot residents on how to spend £530,000 in community funding as part of its substation extension project. The consultation runs from 22 September to 27 October, with residents, community groups and organisations invited to share views. Emerging funding themes include STEM education, health and wellbeing, energy efficiency and nature conservation.

A survey of 143 customers at charter markets in Witney and Chipping Norton has revealed high levels of satisfaction following improvements made since Cotswold Markets Ltd took over operations in August 2025. Results showed that 98 per cent were satisfied with customer service, 96 per cent with product quality and 95 per cent with overall market atmosphere. Many respondents noted improvements including more stalls, greater variety and a more attractive environment. Duncan Enright, deputy leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said the council had recognised an opportunity to improve the markets and was pleased to see the changes delivering results for shoppers and traders.

Drivers on the Isle of Wight face multiple road closures as utility works begin. Southern Water is carrying out sewer repairs and water main replacement across the island, with closures ranging from a few days to six months. The Pointer Inn pub in Newchurch has warned that a six-month road closure is damaging trade, with the licensee saying the disruption is 'extremely concerning' for small businesses relying on customer access.

Mr Iles's Book Cafe has opened on Ventnor High Street, combining books, coffee and community in a renovated space. Island author Emily Bullock will visit Ventnor Library on 30 October at 6.30pm to discuss her novel Almost a Ghost Story, which is set on the Isle of Wight and follows four ferry passengers whose lives become entwined.

Massey Hall, a seven-bedroom mansion in Thelwall near Warrington, has been listed for £17.5 million. The property, completed in 2015, spans over 25,000 square feet and sits on 26.7 acres of landscaped grounds. It features a cinema, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis court, gym and sauna among luxury amenities.

A Cornwall Council planning committee will decide on Monday whether to approve a Burger King 'food to go pod' at the petrol filling station at Morrisons on Plymouth Road, Liskeard. Council planners have recommended approval, but the local councillor requested the decision go to the east area planning committee due to concerns about highway impacts and effects on the town centre. Liskeard Town Council has objected, warning the outlet could harm town centre trade and create traffic conflicts at the petrol station.

The Scottish Government has announced £1.3 million in funding to restore habitats damaged by a major wildfire in the Cairngorms this summer. The blaze, which started in the Glenmore area near Aviemore on 15 July, burned across 10 square miles of moorland and forestry, with more than 500 firefighters involved in tackling it over more than a month. The package includes £150,100 specifically for Cairngorms recovery work, with additional funding supporting seven other nature restoration projects across Scotland.

Pat McAfee went shirtless on ESPN's College GameDay in Salt Lake City and made a public dig at the New York Times, his second such reference in as many weeks. McAfee claimed he had not planned to disrobe but did so after fans chanted for him to remove his shirt. His jab appeared to reference a column by Jerry Brewer in The Athletic, owned by the New York Times, which criticised McAfee's growing prominence on the show and his habit of removing his shirt.

Storm Boelo swept across the North East over the weekend, bringing gusts of up to 65mph in coastal and exposed areas. Over 127,000 households experienced power supply issues, with hundreds still without electricity on Monday. The storm caused multiple damage reports across the region, including a tree crashing through a £600,000 new-build home in Darlington weeks before residents were due to move in.

Storm Boelo has caused rail disruption across the UK. Gale force winds have brought down trees and damaged overhead power lines on the railway network, resulting in some services being cancelled. Network Rail has urged people to secure garden items, warning that trampolines and sheds blown onto tracks can block lines or damage electric wires.

The National League match between Barrow and Forest Green Rovers was abandoned in the 14th minute due to a waterlogged pitch following Storm Boelo. The referee conducted pre-match inspections and initially deemed the pitch suitable, but conditions deteriorated after kick-off. Barrow had taken the lead after 15 seconds, but the fixture will be replayed in its entirety from 0-0.

Indian street food chain Tikka Nation is opening its 13th location at the Marlowes Shopping Centre in Hemel Hempstead on Monday, October 26th. The first 100 customers through the doors between 12pm and 2pm will receive a complimentary curry bowl. Co-founders Vikas and Sumit said they were looking forward to sharing their food with the local community.

A Pinal County driver is fighting for life after their Jeep rolled off the roadway and into a home in Eloy early Saturday morning. The driver was flown to a trauma center with life-threatening injuries. No one inside the home was hurt, and the structure remained stable.

Storm Boelo has caused coastal flooding and disruption on the Isle of Wight. The Environment Agency issued flood alerts for high tides, warning that waves would cause spray overtopping and overwashing of defences at exposed coastal locations including Yarmouth, Freshwater Bay, Sandown, Shanklin, Gurnard and Ryde, flooding esplanades, seafront car parks and roads. Strong winds brought down a tree on Calbourne Road, which struck a car; the driver had a lucky escape and the road was closed before reopening. Sewage was released into waters off Ryde following the storms, prompting a 'do not swim' alert from the Environment Agency.

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 on Saturday to level the best-of-seven WNBA Finals at 2-2. Gabby Williams scored 17 points as Golden State played strong defence, limiting Dream star Angel Reese to just eight points after she had averaged 25.5 points and 14 rebounds in the previous two games. Coach Natalie Nakase moved Tiffany Hayes into the starting lineup, and Hayes scored all 13 of her points in the second half. The series returns to California for Game 5 on Monday.

Two 15-year-old boys were arrested after zombie knives were found in Birmingham during an end of school operation.

Two men have each been jailed for 18 years after shooting at each other outside a nightclub in Birmingham. Aaron Nubie and Kimani Durrell-Smith opened fire outside FJ Lounge in Aston on 23 March, with a food stall worker caught in the crossfire and injured. Both men were also shot in the exchange.

Several offenders from across Somerset have been sentenced in magistrates' court. The sentences include fines and compensation orders for assault, driving without insurance, speeding and traffic violations. Maddison Dobbin, 19, was ordered to pay £840 in compensation for assaulting three people and damaging a shop window worth £500 in Taunton on 27 February.

The Environment Agency issued a flood alert for parts of central York on the night of 25 October following heavy rain linked to Storm Boelo. The River Ouse level stood at 2.33 metres at 8.15am on 26 October, above its normal range of 1.9 metres and continuing to rise. Flooding to low-lying land is possible above 2.20 metres, with affected areas including King's Staith, Queen's Staith and South Esplanade in the city centre, extending south to Naburn Lock.

Thomas Waddingham scored a fortunate late winner as Portsmouth came from behind to beat Millwall 2-1 at Fratton Park. Jake Cooper's attempted clearance in the 82nd minute ricocheted off Waddingham and into the net. Jenson Metcalfe had put Millwall ahead early after a mistake from Portsmouth goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid, but Lyndon Dykes's own goal quickly equalised. The victory extends Portsmouth's run to three wins in four matches.

Over 2,500 British and French paratroopers have taken part in Exercise RHINO TITAN at Sennelager Training Centre in Germany, a seven-week wargame designed to test how NATO territory could be defended against attack. The drill included around 600 troops parachuting from RAF A400M aircraft in one of the largest British airborne operations in a generation, and evaluated their ability to land with supplies and specialist equipment needed to begin operations immediately. The exercise tested capabilities against simulated threats including drones and electronic warfare.

A car was deliberately driven into a Greggs bakery on Calcutta Road in Tilbury at around 11pm on Friday, October 23, causing significant damage. Essex Police said footage from the scene shows people present but does not identify the vehicle involved. Police are appealing for information.

A 2013 Father's Day post deleted by Rep. Ilhan Omar in 2019 referred to her father as 'Nur Said', a name similar to her former husband Ahmed Nur Said Elmi's. The post has resurfaced as federal investigators examine questions about her identity and immigration records. Omar and her office have repeatedly denied allegations that Elmi is her brother, and she has denied wrongdoing in the federal probe, calling it a political attack.

Duck & Waffle has closed its Edinburgh restaurant in the Westfield St James Quarter. The restaurant, which opened in February 2023, shut on 24 October. The owners said they were 'incredibly grateful' to guests, staff and the Edinburgh community for their support, and said the flagship London restaurant remains open.

Norfolk County Council is storing between 2,000 and 3,000 fridges and freezers at the former Mayton Wood Recycling Centre near Coltishall, known as 'Mount Chillimanjaro'. The stockpile stems from a shortage of specialised processing capacity to handle the appliances' hazardous gases and insulating foam after three treatment centres closed. The situation has eased slightly, though the national capacity problem remains unresolved.

A 63-year-old man died at St Helen's Church in Abingdon on Saturday after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest at around 11.40am. Thames Valley Police confirmed the death is not considered suspicious and will be referred to the coroner. The emergency response caused traffic delays in the town.

Braintree District Council in Essex has been criticised for spending only £40,000 of £3.8 million in Home Office grants received between July 2023 and June 2026 to manage the impact of MDP Wethersfield, the country's largest asylum camp. The council still has £2.7 million unspent. Local residents have expressed concerns about intimidation, harassment, theft and violence, and requested additional police patrols in the town centre.

A man claiming to have a firearm robbed a Tesco Express on Stein Road in Southbourne on Saturday, October 24, stealing tobacco before fleeing the scene. Police confirmed no weapon was actually seen during the robbery. Officers carried out an extensive area search and secured the scene for forensic investigations.

Manchester City's perfect start to the Premier League season ended on Saturday with a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa. Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for Villa, firing the opener inside six minutes and adding the winner with a first-time finish. Erling Haaland headed City level in the second half, but it was not enough for Enzo Maresca's side, which had been aiming for an eighth straight league win.

Elena Rybakina won the Ningbo Open, beating Leylah Fernandez 6-2 6-2 to retain her title and secure her first trophy as world number one. The victory helps the Kazakh towards securing the year-end number one ranking ahead of the WTA Finals.

Golden State Valkyries defeated Atlanta Dream 67-62 in Game 4 on Saturday, levelling the best-of-seven WNBA Finals at 2-2. Gabby Williams scored 17 points and the Valkyries' defence held Dream star Angel Reese to eight points after she had averaged 25.5 points in the previous two games. The game's national anthem saw both teams absent from the court for the fourth consecutive game, prompting criticism from Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Both coaches declined to fully explain the decision. Meanwhile, the league faces a scheduling crisis for Game 6 on Thursday: the Hawks are scheduled to host the Cavaliers at State Farm Arena at 7 p.m., one hour before the Dream are due to tip off, potentially forcing the Dream to play at their smaller 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena instead.

JFK Jr's body was discovered 116 feet below the Atlantic Ocean on the fourth day of a massive search, just hours before the operation was to be called off following the crash of his small plane on 16 July 1999 near Martha's Vineyard. His wife Carolyn Bessette and her sister Lauren also died in the crash. Coast Guard Capt. W. Russell Webster, the search mission leader, said that if the discovery had been delayed another day, Kennedy's body might have been swept away by the ocean current and never found.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York congresswoman, is drawing large crowds while campaigning for progressive Democratic candidates in competitive races before the 3 November midterms. She has travelled across Michigan, Ohio, Maine and California in her final campaign swing. Ocasio-Cortez has built a national following with tens of millions of social media followers, and her nickname AOC is among the most recognisable in American politics. She is testing whether her progressive politics can win beyond the Democratic base, telling a recent fundraiser: 'We have written a check on the left, saying if you champion these policies that have popular support, we can win. Now it is time to cash in.'

Loganair flight LM14 from Aberdeen, scheduled to land at Norwich Airport at 3.45pm on Friday 23 October, circled the airport for around ten minutes before diverting to Edinburgh instead. The flight landed at Edinburgh at 4.44pm. The reason for the diversion is unknown, and Loganair have been contacted for comment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed that Israel use cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to circumvent potential international sanctions. The Bank of Israel rejected the plan, and opposition parties called it a recipe for disaster. Netanyahu said the country needed to 'prepare ways to evade banking sanctions through an alternative economic system'.

Aston Villa claimed their first home league win of the season by beating Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park. Nicolas Jackson scored both of Villa's goals, with Erling Haaland equalising for City early in the second half. The victory ended Manchester City's perfect start to the season.

Elena Rybakina defeated Canada's Leylah Fernandez 6-2 6-2 in the Ningbo Open final to retain her title and win her first trophy as world No.1. The victory came after Rybakina overcame Russia's Diana Shnaider 6-3 7-5 in the semi-final on Saturday, having arrived in China following defeats in Beijing and a foot injury that forced her out of Wuhan. Rybakina now turns her attention to the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo before defending her title at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells from November 8.

Four people were injured in a drive-by shooting outside Fitzy's Loganholme, a venue hosting a boxing event, on Saturday at around 8.15pm. Police allege two men wearing balaclavas and gloves fired multiple shots from the front window of a Mitsubishi. A 19-year-old woman from Jimboomba was shot in the head and neck and remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery; police describe her as an innocent bystander. Three men aged 27, 37 and 38 were also shot and remain in serious or stable conditions. The Mitsubishi was later found ablaze at Waterford West, and police are pursuing a manhunt for those responsible.

Camilo Molina, a 40-year-old neurosurgeon from Missouri, has been jailed for two years in Scotland after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at Kong nightclub in Glasgow in April 2025. Molina approached the woman from behind and put his hand under her skirt. He had pleaded not guilty but was found guilty last month. Following his conviction, Molina lost his medical license and resigned from his roles at Washington University in St Louis.

A 57-year-old man died in a crash involving a blue Volkswagen Polo and a white Ford EcoSport on the A628 Hemsworth Bypass in Pontefract at about 06:00 on Saturday. A 60-year-old woman was taken to hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening. A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A 57-year-old man died and a 60-year-old woman was injured in a collision between a blue Volkswagen Polo and a white Ford EcoSport on the A628 Hemsworth Bypass near Pontefract at around 6am on Saturday. The man suffered serious injuries at the scene. A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody. West Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses.

A man in his 70s died on 22 October, two weeks after a crash with a pedestrian on West Road near Hainault Avenue in Westcliff on 8 October at around 4pm. Essex Police are appealing for witnesses and say a group of teenagers at the scene may have important information. The cyclist was named as Steve Ames, 72, whose family described him as a devoted family man and passionate about animals and boating.

Leeds Knights defeated Solway 5-0 at home on Friday night, a victory coach Ryan Aldridge says shows the team is starting to find its feet in NIHL National after a rocky start to the 2026-27 season. Aldridge was pleased to see his team enjoy home comforts following the win.

Trevor Heeks, who served as Trowbridge's town crier for over 40 years, died aged 82 on Saturday, October 24. He had been awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the community and twinning, presented to him at his hospital bedside just days before his death. During his career, he won a world championship, three European championships and more than 160 local, regional and national competitions.

Sam Fender has cut ticket prices for his UK stadium tour and eliminated tiered standing charges after fans complained about the original costs. The singer said prices had been 'inflated well more than I'd had in mind' and that they should only rise in line with venue costs. Fender will play Murrayfield in Edinburgh on 8 July 2027, along with venues in Newcastle, Manchester, London and Cardiff.

Donald Trump said he is deciding whether to negotiate with Iran or resume military attacks, suggesting a decision is imminent. The Pentagon has reportedly drawn up plans for renewed strikes on Iranian energy, nuclear and military facilities, which could be authorised after the 3 November midterm elections, though Trump suggested action could come sooner. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States of disrupting negotiations but said efforts to reach agreement should continue. Qatar's mediators visited Tehran on Sunday as both sides signal readiness for military action or diplomacy.

The annual Farmer on Your Plate festival attracted crowds of families to Fremantle Esplanade Park on Saturday. Visitors enjoyed free activities including pony rides, barrel tossing, cow milking, sheep shearing and line dancing. Families praised the free admission, with attendees noting the appeal of a cost-free weekend activity for children.

An event titled 'What comes next for West Midlands buses' was cancelled early due to weather conditions from Storm Boelo.

Erin Foster, creator of Netflix rom-com Nobody Wants This, has said she disagrees with the show's star Adam Brody over his recent comments on the Middle East. Brody accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and called for a free Palestine during a September interview with GQ. Foster told the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast that while she loves Brody, they have different views and that is acceptable. She emphasised the show has always been a love letter to Judaism, inspired by her own experience converting to the faith before marrying her husband.

A new book published on November 5 features 600 previously unseen photographs from the Associated Newspapers archive charting everyday life in 1930s Kent and the South East. Britain in the 1930s, a 616-page volume with historical commentary by historian Steven Brindle, shows the region before the Second World War. Images include hop pickers' families in Kent, traditional timbered houses in Yalding before demolition, and Gypsy caravans sharing Dorking Road in Surrey with bicycles, buses and cars, capturing a decade of economic hardship, social change and rapid urban expansion.

Sam Fender criticised ticket prices for his 2027 stadium tour, saying they had been inflated beyond his intentions. He removed the 'front standing' ticket category, which had cost £130.75, and set general admission standing at £85 and seated tickets at £55 to £95, excluding venue and ticketing fees.

The LG C6 OLED TV has reached a record-low price of $999.99 for the 55-inch model, representing a $400 to $1,000 discount depending on size. The sale is part of LG's early Black Friday promotion running through 1 November. Both Amazon and Best Buy are offering the discount, with the 65-inch model priced at $1,399.99.

A Sunderland teenager has joined Morecambe on loan to bolster the club's attacking options. The move represents an addition to Morecambe's forward line.

Two people sustained minor injuries after a current operational police dog and a retired police dog escaped from their handler's garden in Sileby, near Loughborough, on Tuesday. A man who stopped to help was bitten on the ankle by the operational dog. Leicestershire Police confirmed an inquiry is underway.

India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in a Twenty20 match in Christchurch, chasing down a target of 181 with a ball to spare. Tilak Varma scored 51 off 25 balls and shared an unbroken 69-run partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy (26) to secure the win, which gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner had taken 4-21 early in India's innings, but Varma and Reddy targeted the pacers in the final overs to complete the chase.

Jessica Spencer planned to become a journalist but joined her family's antique jewellery business in Leeds instead. She uses research, inscriptions and hallmarks to uncover the stories hidden in the pieces, which reveal tales of love, loss and remembrance.

An appeal to retain holiday accommodation at a Staffordshire farm has been dismissed. No further details are available about the farm's location, the grounds for the original decision or what happens next.

The Perth Lynx defeated Adelaide Lightning 90-82 on Saturday night in a Women's National Basketball League match, handing the hosts their third consecutive loss. Both teams competed closely for three quarters, but Perth proved superior in the fourth period. Adelaide coach Aja Parham-Ammar said the team's unforced turnovers and transition points cost them the game.

A historic private school in the West Midlands has denied social media claims that it is housing asylum seekers. Urban explorers have been warned to stay away from the building.

Courts in the Nottinghamshire police area convicted 1,720 motorists of driving without insurance in 2025. The number of convictions has fallen compared with previous years.

Witney Town Council has ended its contract with building company Skyline on the £1 million refurbishment of West Witney sports and social clubhouse, causing further delays to the project. The refurbishment began in early 2024 and was expected to be completed in May, but building works remain ongoing. The council said it is now reviewing the finished and outstanding work to determine how best to complete the project.

Rangers beat St Johnstone 4-0 on Saturday, marking Derek McInnes's opening fixture in charge. The Ibrox side dominated despite heavy rain, though they managed only one goal by half-time before pulling away. Kevin Kelsy and Ryan Naderi's partnership proved crucial in attack, with Minsu Kim also influential on the left flank.

West Bromwich Albion drew at Preston North End on Saturday after conceding a late opening goal at Deepdale. The Baggies enjoyed 75 per cent possession by half-time and created chances, but poor decision-making and final passing in difficult conditions limited their attacking threat. Preston improved in the second half and scored to go ahead. West Brom responded to level, though the equaliser came following a controversial throw-in decision. The BBC reports they showed resilience in coming back, though they were perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty. Correspondents note that West Brom must improve their game management at 0-0 and their set-piece defending at both ends if they are to maintain their position in the promotion picture.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Saturday it received a letter in January 2019 containing a 'number of claims' about alleged offending by Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle Sr, relating to matters outside the UK. The force said the letter was sent to its Protection Command to raise security concerns regarding the Duchess of Sussex and was passed to the Duke and Duchess for their awareness, but details were not shared with other law enforcement agencies. The disclosure follows Meghan's statement on Friday that she had been shown the letter in 2018 containing 'troubling and disturbing allegations'. The Met is reviewing its handling of the matter and considering whether a referral to the police watchdog IOPC is necessary.

Storm Boelo is set to hit the UK this weekend with powerful winds and heavy rain. The Met Office has issued Amber warnings for wind across mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, and the far north of England, where gusts of 60-70mph are expected widely, with the potential for 80mph in exposed coastal locations. Wider Yellow warnings cover further south into England and north Wales.

Measles cases in the United States have surged to 4,588 in 2026, more than double the previous year's total, with at least 43 outbreaks reported across the country. Pennsylvania has been hardest hit with 1,338 cases, whilst South Carolina and Utah are each reporting more than 500 cases. The CDC has recorded three measles deaths nationally, whilst Pennsylvania authorities have reported five deaths and are investigating a sixth.

Christy Carlson Romano, known for roles in 'Even Stevens' and 'Kim Possible', sustained injuries from a clay pigeon shooting accident in Texas in 2025. Birdshot remains lodged a millimetre from critical structures near her eye, creating a risk of blindness if it shifts. Romano said she thought she was 'going to die' during the incident.

The Jodcast, launched in 2006 by researchers at The University of Manchester's Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a live event at Jodrell Bank's Space Dome on Thursday, November 19. The show, titled Jodcast Live – Parsecs, Planets and Podcasts, will feature astronomers including Professor Jen Gupta and Dr Olivia Jones of the James Webb Space Telescope team discussing topics from black holes to galaxy evolution, with audience Q&A.

Nine people accused of cannabis production at multiple sites in Norwich between 2018 and 2020 will have the venue of their trial decided at Norwich Crown Court in January. The trial, expected to last up to four months, is currently listed at King's Lynn Crown Court in March but that venue cannot accommodate all nine defendants. The charges include conspiracy to produce cannabis and conspiracy to convert criminal property.

The Norfolk County Council-run Morningthorpe Recycling Centre near Long Stratton will close permanently from November 1. The closure follows the end of a 25-year lease which the landowner confirmed could not be extended beyond February 2027. The centre is shutting early to allow time to return the land in the required condition. Users are directed to Norwich South Recycling Centre and Reuse Shop on Ipswich Road, described as Norfolk's most modern recycling facility, which accepts a wider range of materials including fridges, freezers, plasterboard, upholstered seating, tyres and trade waste, and has capacity for additional visitors.

Big Fish Little Fish will host a family-friendly Halloween rave at Cambridge Junction on Sunday, November 1, from 2pm to 4pm. The event will feature DJ Food from Ninja Tune and DJ Trax, played at a safe volume, alongside themed crafts, giant balloons, confetti cannons and bubble machines. Tickets are £13 for adults and £11 for children.

A 25-year-old woman and 22-year-old man from March, Cambridgeshire, have been released on bail until March 22, 2027, in connection with the death of three-month-old Atijus Elertaite. The pair were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after Atijus was taken to hospital on January 3 and died on January 8. They were later re-arrested on suspicion of murder and have had their bail repeatedly extended. An inquest revealed Atijus had been found not breathing by his parents and was revived after 90 minutes of resuscitation, but tests showed he had a bleed on the brain.

Hertfordshire has nine free attractions worth visiting. These include Verulamium Park, set on a former Roman city site with walls, a lake and views towards St Albans Cathedral; Fairlands Valley Park, an urban park with lakes, walking paths and a children's splash park in summer; and Therfield Heath near Royston, offering chalk grassland with panoramic views and wildflower displays. The Natural History Museum at Tring is also free to visit.

Storm Boelo is bringing strong winds and heavy rain to Northumberland, with weather warnings in force across the region. Major routes including the A69 and A1 are among those affected by the disruption, with public transport also expected to be impacted. The Morpeth Herald reports that more gales are forecast for the coming days.

Residents in the B23 area of Birmingham are facing disruption to their water supplies as essential repairs take place.

The Czech Republic's governing coalition has advanced legislation to abolish household broadcasting fees and replace them with state budget funding for public radio and television. Several thousand people protested in Prague on Sunday against the plan, which they say threatens media independence. The lower house approved fast-tracking the bill in an overnight vote on Saturday, cutting funding for public media by about 15 per cent.

Police are investigating after an unknown person damaged a home's front door in Haxby, York, between midnight and 8am on Wednesday 21 October. North Yorkshire Police have urged anyone with information to get in touch.

Natural Resources Wales has issued multiple flood alerts across North Wales following the arrival of Storm Boelo. The alerts cover coastal areas and river catchments across counties including Anglesey, Conwy, Gwynedd, Flintshire and Denbighshire. Flooding is expected as a result of a combination of high tides and severe weather conditions, with disruption to transport services including ferry cancellations between Holyhead and Dublin. A 33-hour yellow weather alert for wind is in force until 9pm on Sunday, with an all-Wales yellow alert for rain in effect until 11pm on Saturday.

Sarah Watson from Rickmansworth underwent dental treatment in Turkey costing £3,200 after radiotherapy for cancer damaged her teeth. The dentist removed eight teeth without explanation and fitted a temporary bridge, which caused serious complications including rotting gums and cement left in extraction sites. She now faces a £22,000 bill for corrective work.

Val Thorens delivers reliable snow and vast terrain suited to families with mixed abilities, combining serious mountain time with convenient logistics. At 2,300m, Europe's highest resort guarantees snow from November through May. The ski area is almost entirely ski-in/ski-out, with skiers accessing well-groomed runs across the Three Valleys and snowboarders enjoying dedicated terrain parks and a half-pipe. Teen-focused lessons are available from age 12 upwards.

No. 17 Texas defeated No. 7 Ole Miss 34-27 on Saturday in a game that proved crucial for quarterback Arch Manning, whose struggles this season had raised questions about his starting job. Texas led 24-3 at half-time but allowed Ole Miss to score 21 unanswered points before holding on for the win. Manning threw for a touchdown and rushed for two, though he also threw two interceptions. The victory improved Texas to 5-2.

Strong northeast winds will persist across North Florida, South Georgia and Central Florida through at least Tuesday, with coastal flooding a significant concern. A Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect through midweek, with moderate to major flooding expected during high tides. Wind gusts could reach 30 to 45 miles per hour, particularly along coastal areas. Conditions will remain mostly dry inland with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, though scattered showers are possible along the coast.

Simon Brocklehurst, 42, has been told he can no longer volunteer as Santa at Idlewells Shopping Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, a role he has held for four years. He painted a Union Flag on his home and says he is 'gutted' at the decision. Centre bosses deny the ban relates to his home decoration, citing a new 'neutral' policy instead.

Tamani Cama, 33, was sentenced at Ipswich Magistrates' Court on 23 October for dangerous driving on the A1(M) in North Yorkshire that caused a family's dog to be fatally injured. Cama was driving a black Ford Focus 'erratically' southbound on 28 June 2025, moved abruptly between lanes and collided with a red Volkswagen Transporter campervan. The dog was thrown from the vehicle by the force of the collision and later had to be put down. Cama was handed a 28-week suspended jail sentence, a year's driving ban and ordered to complete a rehabilitation requirement.

Police seized 100 cannabis plants during a raid on a house in the West Midlands. Officers discovered the plants at the address.

More than 160 Year 7 pupils at Aureus School in Didcot took part in the Restart a Heart programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at improving survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The training, led by South Central Ambulance Service, covered CPR, defibrillator use and emergency response. Vicki Knight, assistant headteacher at the school, said the event is annual and helps students build essential life skills and confidence to act as responsible citizens.

The Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Golf are the top-selling cars in both the Cotswolds and nationally, but the Cotswolds market differs with premium and rural-friendly models more prominent. Cotswolds sellers achieve higher average prices than the national average for five of seven models: a Mini Cooper fetched £10,854 (11 per cent above the national average), while the VW Polo, BMW 3 Series and Ford Fiesta each sold for around seven per cent more. Used Range Rovers, however, averaged over £2,100 (11 per cent) less than the national average.

MECHANIMAL, an award-winning creative company, is staging an immersive installation called Megalith at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History from October 24 to 31, in collaboration with the museum's exhibition on critical raw materials. The interactive experience blends performance, sound, light and interactive play to explore mining and the materials—copper, cobalt, lithium and tin—that power batteries and renewable technologies. Visitors can extract stone using antlers, listen to underground soundscapes and move stones around a giant circle to trigger light displays, with live performances on October 30 and 31.

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire will transform into a fairytale wonderland for a Cinderella-themed Christmas experience running from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The palace's historic turret clock, installed in 1710, will feature prominently. Visitors will journey through scenes including a moonlit garden, a pumpkin carriage, the ball, the midnight escape, and the Prince's search for the glass slipper, ending with a meet-and-greet with Cinderella in the Long Library. Adult tickets start at £43, children aged 3–16 at £26, and family tickets for two adults and two children at £118.

Witney Museum is hosting a sold-out free talk on 28 October about Jackie Moggridge, a pioneering female aviator who trained at Witney Aeronautical College in 1938 as the only woman in her class. Her daughter Candy Adkins will discuss her mother's achievements. During the Second World War, Moggridge joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force as a radar operator and later flew with the Air Transport Auxiliary, delivering 83 different types of warplanes. She flew more than 1,500 aircraft during her career, a third of them Spitfires, and became the first woman to break the sound barrier in an F-86 Sabre and the first female commercial airline captain. She received the King's Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air and became one of the first women to earn full RAF wings in 1953.

The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging people across Oxfordshire to walk 100 miles during November as part of a national challenge now in its second year. The initiative is free to join and open to all abilities, with participants able to complete the distance at their own pace. Walking with friends or family is encouraged to build social connection.

Dame Judi Dench, 91, has said sight loss caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has ended her ability to perform. Diagnosed in 2012, she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday that she can no longer take to the stage or screen, nor read. She described struggling to recognise people and being unable to go out alone.

Vale of White Horse District Council has completed a £6m decarbonisation project at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon. The upgrade, which began in February 2024, replaced the centre's gas boilers and combined heat and power system with air source heat pumps and 600 solar panels. Since the panels were connected in December 2025, they have generated over 175,000 kWh of electricity, enough to power around 70 average homes for a year.

Angela Bettoni, a 25-year-old Down's syndrome activist and performer born in Oxford now based in Malta, has been named inclusion ambassador by Thomas Franks, a family-owned catering company. She will support the company's efforts to create more inclusive workplaces by working with teams on training programmes and championing inclusive practice with clients. The appointment supports Thomas Franks' commitment to creating 200 jobs through a global inclusive employment programme.

The Stoke Row Steam Rally will take place on June 12 and 13, 2027. Held near Whitchurch Hill, the event celebrates Britain's industrial and agricultural heritage with steam engines, vintage tractors, classic vehicles and fairground attractions.

Stoke City were held to a goalless draw by Bristol City in stormy conditions at the bet365 Stadium. The match was disrupted by an injury to striker Lamine Cisse, who rolled his ankle in the 21st minute and left wearing a supportive boot. Manager Mark Robins said the injury 'might be something, it might be nothing', but Cisse joins left wing-back Eric Bocat in the treatment room after Bocat suffered a knee injury the previous weekend.

Sluice gates from Yorkshire water mills, known locally as 'goit stocks', are in danger of being lost to history as most fall into disrepair. The gates controlled water flow into mill ponds, with small mills typically using single gates and larger mills employing double gates. A pair of steel gates have been preserved at Langcliffe Mill near Settle.

The Clacton FEAR scare experience on Clacton Pier in Essex has been cancelled for a second consecutive night on Wednesday, October 28, due to high winds. Organisers said the weather made it unsafe to go ahead. Ticket holders have been offered free transfers to Thursday, October 29, Friday, October 30, or Saturday, October 31. The daytime Halloween Festival at Clacton Pier continues.

England defeated France 82-0 in Perth to keep their Rugby League World Cup hopes alive after an opening loss to Tonga. However, their semi-final hopes remain precarious. England must now beat Papua New Guinea by at least 68 points on Friday, then rely on Tonga defeating Samoa on Sunday. If Samoa win against Tonga, England will be eliminated on head-to-head record. Coach Brian McDermott said the performance against France was 'enormous, given the context'. England have never finished outside the top four in the World Cup's 72-year history.

Storm Boelo battered parts of the UK over the weekend with winds of up to 84mph and heavy rain. Two men died: a man in his 20s in north London when a tree fell on a moving car, and a 60-year-old in Dumfries and Galloway after being struck by a falling tree. Power cuts affected 838,700 properties across Britain. The Met Office has issued a new yellow wind warning for Tuesday covering parts of northern England, Scotland and northern Northern Ireland, with forecasters warning of potential transport disruption.

Australia defeated England 78-0 in a Rugby League World Cup match in Perth on Saturday. The Jillaroos scored 15 tries in the shutout victory, with Jocelyn Kelleher contributing 26 points in her second appearance despite missing six conversion attempts. The win marks Australia's second consecutive victory in their campaign to win a fourth consecutive World Cup.

Police are appealing for help finding a 30-year-old woman wanted on suspicion of assault with intent to rob in Moseley, Birmingham.

South East Melbourne Phoenix defeated Adelaide 36ers 108-94 at John Cain Arena on Saturday night. The Phoenix dominated the first half with a shooting masterclass, knocking down 13 of 19 three-pointers to lead 72-43 at the break. Angus Glover scored 20 points with six three-pointers, D'Shawn Schwartz added 20 points and Dash Daniels contributed 18. Despite Adelaide's second-half rally led by Bryce Cotton's 37 points, the Phoenix held on to secure the win and edge past Adelaide into seventh spot.

Warwickshire Police are appealing for help to find Moustapha Korouma, who is wanted in relation to a trafficking offence. The man has links to Birmingham.

Ukraine's Ministry of Defence says Starlink and its military version Starshield have restored high-speed operations after restrictions that lasted more than a week. Ukrainian officials alleged the throttling hampered the military's ability to intercept Russian attack drones and forced cancellation of some operations. Neither Elon Musk nor the US government has acknowledged responsibility, with each suggesting the other made any decision to restrict service.

Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City remained winless after drawing 1-1 in their A-League Men derby on Saturday night. Keegan Jelacic put Victory ahead in the seventh minute, but Andrew Nabbout equalised for City in the 52nd minute in teeming rain at AAMI Park. Victory played under new coach Giovanni Savarese.

Storm Boelo brought severe disruption to Scotland over the weekend, with amber wind warnings covering most of the country. Winds reached up to 80mph in some areas, with Glasgow experiencing gusts of around 60mph. The storm caused significant transport disruption, with rail lines closed between Crianlarich and Oban, and between Inverness and Wick and Thurso. The A82 near Dumbarton and the A78 between Skelmorlie and Largs were also closed due to flooding and storm damage. Thousands lost power, with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks reporting 38,000 customers still without electricity late on Sunday evening. One man, aged 60, was killed by a falling tree in Dumfries and Galloway, whilst two women were injured by another falling tree in Aberfeldy. Macsorley's pub in Glasgow city centre was forced to close after around 3 feet of water flooded its basement, destroying stock and damaging the kitchen. Further poor weather is expected early in the week.

Melbourne defeated the Western Bulldogs 5.7 (37) to 2.8 (20) on Saturday night in wet conditions at Whitten Oval, moving into third place in the AFLW standings. The result has major top-four ramifications, with Gold Coast's earlier narrow win meaning the Bulldogs dropped to fifth. The Bulldogs face another significant challenge on Friday night against Geelong, who are on a ten-game winning streak.

Two villages in North Nottinghamshire, Edwinstowe and Carlton-In-Lindrick, have been selected to receive faster broadband speeds.

Chancellor John Healey will announce £7m funding for a full feasibility study on a potential Olympic bid for northern England in his Budget on Wednesday. If successful, the Games could be held in the North in the 2040s. The bid is backed by northern mayors and over 40 Olympians and elite athletes including Laura Kenny and Sarah Storey.

The Trump administration has introduced testosterone deficiency screening guidelines for male service members ages 30 and older, citing national defence readiness concerns. Adm. Brian Christine, a senior Department of Health and Human Services official, warned that 77% of Americans aged 17 to 24 do not qualify for military service without a waiver, with obesity and chronic disease among the barriers. He noted that testosterone levels have been declining for decades among American men.

The body of a man was found before 1am at a waste recycling facility in Clondalkin, Dublin, on Saturday morning. Irish police are investigating the death as suspicious, with a Garda source telling the Irish Times that detectives believe the man may have been murdered, though the cause of death has not yet been established. A post-mortem examination will determine how he died.

Arsenal beat Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Everton, managed by David Moyes with a depleted squad, were unable to withstand Arsenal's pressure. Striker Thierno Barry missed a chance at 1-0 and left the pitch visibly disappointed, having wasted other opportunities this season. The defeat followed Everton's previous loss to Chelsea, ending their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Norfolk County Council has withdrawn from a deal to sell 20 council-owned residential care homes to Stow Healthcare. Reform leaders said the decision was in the best interests of residents and taxpayers, reversing a sale agreed in principle by the previous Conservative administration. Three homes have already closed; the other 17 remain open. The council is under pressure to reveal the financial cost of withdrawing from the deal and clarify what happens next.

Lewisham recorded the highest rate of violence against the person among five south-east London boroughs in the 12 months ending September 2026, with 11,235 offences equivalent to 36.2 per 1,000 people. Metropolitan Police figures show violence against the person offences across London rose 7.6 per cent year-on-year to 279,664. Lewisham also recorded more gun crime than any other south-east London borough, with 97 offences between September 2025 and September 2026.

Three distinct Lake District properties are featured in current property listings. A semi-detached house at 72 Victoria Road North in Windermere sold for £245,000 at auction on 22 October 2026, matching its guide price. A Grade II listed home called number 3 Wansfell Holme, dating to the 1800s and refurbished 6–7 years ago, is on the market for £1 million and is currently used as a holiday let. A three-bedroom bungalow with an annexe called The Potters in Sedbergh is priced at £325,000.

More than 100 young people aged 18 to 21 have found jobs through the Darlington Employment Initiative, which helps those not in work, education or training. Since August 2025, the scheme has worked with 65 local employers across several sectors, offering paid placements that allow businesses to assess candidates before committing to permanent roles. The scheme is funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority through the Department for Work and Pensions' Youth Trailblazer Guarantee Programme.

Clocks will go back at 2.00am on Sunday, October 25, providing an extra hour of daylight as winter approaches. The change aims to make better use of daylight hours. Most internet-connected devices will adjust automatically, but alarm clocks and car radios will need manual adjustment.

Chef Danny Taylor has opened Chuffin Stuffed, a street food venue at The Lighthorseman pub in York. The business serves burgers, fries, wings, curries and Sunday dinners with creative twists. Taylor, who has 15 years of restaurant experience, is running the venture with his partner Claire Butler.

York Pride will return to the Knavesmire on 5 June 2027 following a record-breaking 2026 festival that drew more than 30,000 attendees to the venue and over 100,000 visitors to the wider city. Festival director Will Bosanquet said organisers are planning what could be their biggest LGBTQ+ celebration yet. The festival will remain free to attend.

Finchingfield, a village in north Essex, has become known for its traditional appearance and historic buildings that make it feel like another era of English life. The village was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086, though people lived there before then. Its oldest stone building, the Church of St John the Baptist, has a Norman tower dating from around 1170, whilst the timber-framed Guildhall dates from around 1470 and originally housed shops and workshops before becoming a school and almshouses. Several preserved houses date from approximately 1500. The village centre, which brings together the green, pond, bridge, cottages and church tower, is the most distinctive feature of Finchingfield, with the historic post mill standing on higher ground nearby.

Cambridgeshire is hosting ten fireworks displays across the county to mark Bonfire Night, the annual commemoration of Guy Fawkes's failed 1605 attempt to blow up Parliament. Events run from late October through November 7, with displays at venues including Midsummer Common in Cambridge, Huntingdon Racecourse, Kimbolton Castle and Cherry Hill Park in Ely. Most feature entertainment, food stalls and fairground rides, with ticket prices ranging from free to £15.95 for adults.

A reader has written to recall teenage nights out in York, describing visits to the Odeon cinema followed by pints at the Lion & Lamb pub and fish and chips before catching the last bus home. The writer admits to being underage when first drinking Double Diamond beer at the pub. The memories are prompted by a York Press feature on Changing Blossom Street.

Lynda Starkey, 76, who lives in Acomb, York, is appealing for sweet donations to support The Witches' Den, her free annual Halloween event that runs from 9am to 9pm on Halloween. The event, which has run annually with some breaks since 1986, is entirely funded by Starkey herself and donations. This year's theme is magic, featuring new attractions including Harry Potter's House of Wands, Witches, and Worms, alongside seven themed dens and activities for teenagers.

Cumbria Police is increasing its workforce by 44.8 per cent, with new Community Beat Officers deployed across seven districts to tackle anti-social behaviour. The expansion is funded by the Home Office's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. Allerdale will receive five new officers, Copeland three, Eden five, Kendal four, Barrow four, and Carlisle and Wigton five combined.

Coombe Lodge in Croydon was ranked the second-worst Wetherspoons in the UK with an average of 3.12 stars from 381 reviews, while The Stargazer in Greenwich's O2 was eighth-worst with 3.61 stars from 513 reviews. Customers at Coombe Lodge complained mainly about long waits for food and drinks, with some reporting waits of over an hour. The Stargazer's complaints focused on rude staff, dirty cutlery and high prices. Only The Emersons Green in Bristol ranked lower than Coombe Lodge. Despite these poor performers, London also hosted the UK's highest-rated Wetherspoons, Walham Green in Fulham, which scored 4.60 stars.

The Heartland and stateline regions will enjoy pleasant autumn weather through the weekend, with highs in the mid to upper 70s and mostly sunny skies. Overnight lows will drop to the upper 40s and low 50s. A weak cold front moving through on Monday will bring cooler temperatures and cloudier conditions, with highs reaching only the mid-60s, but warmer weather will return by Tuesday with 70s expected through the rest of October. Rain chances may develop by late in the week, with the possibility of showers around Halloween.

A Welbeck award-winning rum producer has announced an exclusive partnership with Fortnum & Mason. The partnership includes plans for a new single-cask release.

Saka was forced off after ten minutes of Arsenal's Champions League draw with Bayern Munich on Wednesday with a quadriceps injury. He is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, potentially ruling him out until after Christmas. Manager Mikel Arteta said Saka was undergoing further MRI scans to determine the full extent of the injury, noting that the presence of fluid in the area made initial assessment difficult. Arteta said the signs were not good, with Saka struggling to walk without pain and restricted in movement.

Ukraine's military has regained full use of Starlink satellite links for its drones and equipment, defence minister Yevhenii Khmara said Saturday. The speed restrictions had disrupted front-line operations for more than a week, with commanders reporting lost drones and disrupted missions. Khmara credited direct dialogue and diplomatic efforts by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Washington for the restoration. However, Zelenskyy said Friday that Ukraine was still experiencing some speed limits.

More than 100 tractors took to the roads across south-east Hampshire on Saturday, October 24, as part of the annual South East Hants Young Farmers Club tractor run. The convoy set off from Stroudwood Farm in Upham near Winchester at around 9.30am and travelled through villages including Bishop's Waltham, Wickham, Southwick, Denmead, Hambledon, Droxford and West Meon. Crowds lined the streets to watch the procession, with Young Farmers Club members collecting donations along the route.

Ulster lost 34-26 to the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday, earning a try bonus point but failing to secure a win in their opening four United Rugby Championship games. Head coach Richie Murphy said his team should have left with more than the bonus point after their admirable comeback performance.

Apple's first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, is inspiring indie developers to create applications that make use of the device's larger screen and hinge. Apps already available include Battlefleet Duo, a board game that uses the folding design for tabletop multiplayer gaming, and Flipcorder, which turns the phone into a retro camcorder with VHS-style filters. Apple has introduced a 'Made for iPhone Duo' badge on the App Store to highlight apps optimised for the larger screens.

Nottinghamshire farmers have welcomed efforts to combat rural crime in the county. The National Farmers' Union has expressed support for the crackdown.

A man has pleaded guilty to making sexual threats to occupants of a West Midlands home. He will be sentenced on 19 November.

Storm Boelo hit Lancashire over the weekend with amber weather warnings issued for northern areas down to Preston and yellow warnings for the rest of the county. Gusts reached 60–80mph, with the Met Office forecasting 60–70mph widely and up to 80mph in exposed coastal locations. The storm caused widespread disruption: SP Electricity North West restored power to 30,000 homes but worked on 22,000 more, with more than 250 individual damages recorded to overhead power lines. Northern rail advised passengers not to travel on services across the North West, with trains unable to operate on a number of routes and no replacement road transport available. Fallen trees continued to block roads including Cross Lane and Lea Lane on 26 October. The disruption followed Storm Austen, which had hit the country the day before.

Mikaela Shiffrin led after the first run of the women's giant slalom in Sölden, Austria, on Saturday as the Alpine ski racing season started. The American skier recorded a time of 1 minute, 7.27 seconds on the Rettenbach glacier, ahead of Sweden's Sara Hector and Switzerland's Camille Rast. Shiffrin has called this campaign an 'exploration season' in which she will reduce her slalom races and focus more on giant slalom and super-G events.

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally, launched her presidential campaign on Sunday in Orléans before some 8,500 supporters. The event came a day after nationwide protests over the rising cost of living turned violent across major French cities, with police arresting 1,314 people and 53 officers hurt. Le Pen, the frontrunner in polls ahead of April and May presidential elections, presented herself as a leader who can restore order and stability. Over 10,000 anti-Le Pen demonstrators also gathered outside the venue. The protests and unrest are seen as potentially beneficial to her campaign.

A 60-year-old man died after being struck by a falling tree near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway on Sunday as Storm Boelo battered Scotland. The storm brought gusts of more than 80mph, causing flooding, fallen trees, widespread travel disruption and power cuts affecting around 38,000 to 40,000 customers. Two women were also injured by a falling tree in Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross. The Scottish Government's Resilience Room met on Sunday to discuss the response, with an amber wind warning remaining in force until 9pm and a further yellow wind warning forecast for Tuesday.

Italy has deployed 500 soldiers to Milan ahead of protests called for Saturday, a week after clashes and looting hit the city's centre. The Italian government announced the security measures in response to last weekend's violence, which police said involved large numbers of minors. The October 17 Movement and student groups have called protests across eight Italian cities against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government and the rising cost of living.

Italy deployed 500 soldiers to Milan on Saturday as the fashion and finance capital braced for fresh protests, a week after rioting and looting. Premier Giorgia Meloni announced tougher penalties for minors, who police said made up much of the violent protesters. The soldiers join hundreds already in the city and about 5,000 police and law enforcement officers, with authorities conducting drone surveillance and railway station checks. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala expressed concern about violence recurring and support for the military deployment.

Ukrainian forces struck Russian petrochemical and missile-component plants in recent days. A Russian plant producing semiconductor devices and electronic components for missile systems was damaged in an attack on Orel, with three people killed in resulting fires. Separately, explosions damaged facilities in Togliatti. The attacks coincided with diplomatic efforts, including a visit by US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff to arrange talks between Ukraine and Russia, with negotiations expected in Abu Dhabi around mid-November.

Oxford Botanic Garden has cancelled its Autumn Fair at Harcourt Arboretum, scheduled for Saturday 24 October, citing health and safety concerns following Storm Austen. The garden said gusts of up to 46 mph and extreme weather forecasts prompted the decision. Refunds are being processed.

A woman in her sixties died following a collision with a car in Aghagallon, County Antrim on Friday. The incident occurred on the Lurgan Road when a white Audi Q3 struck the pedestrian. The 34-year-old driver has been arrested and remains in custody. Police are appealing for witnesses.

Travellers set up an illegal encampment on an eight-acre field called Hares Farm in the Hampshire village of South Warnborough over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The operation began at around 5.30pm on Friday, August 28, with witnesses reporting men in balaclavas and hoodies using diggers and vans to bulldoze the land. Much of the field has since been covered in tarmac, with caravans and mobile homes now stationed on the site. Local residents say they no longer feel safe in their gardens and fear for their property values.

Prince William revealed on The Graham Norton Show that he had childhood dreams of becoming a policeman or a DJ. He said he thought he would have been good at police work, and went through a phase wanting to be a DJ, adopting the name 'DJ Xara with an X', which he acknowledged 'didn't go very well'. He also discussed being mistaken for pop singer Prince.

West Midlands Police are hunting 20-year-old Daniel Paun in connection with a robbery at a Kings Heath shop in which thousands of pounds of goods were stolen. Paun has links to London and Essex. Police are asking anyone who sees him or knows his whereabouts to call 999 immediately, quoting crime number 20/415369/26.

Colorado and Washington, reliably Democratic states where lawmakers have rejected such bans, now have ballot measures that would bar transgender girls from some sports competitions. Activists bypassed legislatures to put the proposals to voters. A June Quinnipiac poll found about seven in ten registered voters oppose allowing transgender women and girls on female sports teams. Twenty-seven states already have such laws.

A man has been found dead at Barrowland Park in Glasgow's east end following a report of concern for a man at around 2.20am on Saturday, 24 October. Police and emergency services attended Watson Street but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is yet to be established, and police are treating the death as unexplained while enquiries continue. A large cordon has been erected around the park, which stretches between Gallowgate and London Road, with marked police vehicles and uniformed officers stationed at the scene.