Ceremonial and metropolitan county in North West England
Scotland is rolling out the Aeos 3D robotic exoscope at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow to assist complex brain surgeries. Toby Peart, 13, is among the first patients to benefit, with early signs of improved precision and recovery. The technology promises clearer views, better depth perception and safer procedures for young patients.
Two separate UK cases of family tragedy are driving campaigns to change laws governing domestic violence and murder investigations. In Wiltshire, Carole Gould and Julie Devey advocate for legal reform after their daughters were killed by an ex-boyfriend; in London, a Taylor Swift-themed incident prompts deeper scrutiny of school safety and accountability.
Voters head to the polls next Thursday as Labour faces a challenging local election in St Helens. The council has been Labour-controlled since 2010, but regeneration plans and concerns about town centre vitality are shaping the campaign. Residents describe a town in transition, with empty high streets and a push for investment.
Automakers have announced strategic shifts as Chinese brands and US trade rules upend the sector. Volkswagen has proposed deep job cuts to cut costs, Jaguar Land Rover is adding hybrids and prioritising the US, and the Commerce Department has denied Polestar permission to sell new connected models in the US from 2027, pushing the brand to refocus on Europe.
The Southport Inquiry has begun its second phase, examining how to identify and manage violence-risk individuals, the role of the internet, and policies on weapons. Sir Adrian Fulford emphasizes that victims’ families remain central, and media should avoid naming individuals to reduce imitation risks.
Delta flight 1076 from Atlanta to Chicago Midway has been struck by a fireworks mortar during its descent. The Airbus A319 landed safely with no injuries; FAA is investigating. Passengers and flights may face delays.
A cross-border crackdown on county lines has led to multiple seizures, arrests and safeguarding actions as authorities target recruitment of vulnerable youths and drug distribution networks in Merseyside and across the UK.
The IUCN red list shows growing threats to desert rain frogs and deep-sea vent molluscs from mining and energy developments. Some species are stabilizing due to conservation, but many face extinction without stronger protections; the news comes amid a broader assessment of biodiversity loss and conservation efforts.
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England dominates Fiji in a 73-8 Nations Championship win, with Henry Pollock scoring a hat-trick and new debuts making strong impressions. Kuruvoli is sent off for Fiji, and England eye a trip to Argentina next.
The Covid inquiry has found a “vast” waste of taxpayers’ money in PPE procurement during the pandemic, with almost two-thirds of the £14.9bn spent wasted. It criticises the VIP lane for favoured contracts and highlights inadequate stockpiles and planning.
English hopes of ending the Open drought in England are rising as Fleetwood, Fitzpatrick and other homegrown players pursue glory at Royal Birkdale. The Open is returning to English soil for the first time since 1992, with fans hopeful the home advantage finally translates into a winner.
The Interior Department has finalized rules that require individualized protection plans for species added to the threatened list and mandate economic analyses for critical habitat. Critics warn the move could hamper wildlife recovery, while supporters say it balances conservation with development. Several species, including monarch butterflies and the grizzly bear, are cited in ongoing debates.
England has secured a five-try win over Argentina in Santiago del Estero, despite disciplinary bans and a late scare. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Marcus Smith lead the charge, with Ben Earl scoring twice in a high-tempo test that featured multiple sin-binnings and a review by the TMO.
The Range Rover GT has been revealed as the brand’s first electric model built on the EMA platform. It marks a shift toward a more car-like, luxurious grand tourer with a minimalist interior and advanced OLED displays. Prototypes are testing globally ahead of a 2027 launch, with hybrid options planned.
The government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April next year, excluding the very largest venues. The move is funded by reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not contribute positively to local communities and by cracking down on online marketplaces that avoid VAT. The policy aims to support hospitality on high streets as part of a broader cost-of-living package.