Rainmaker has been in the headlines this week for major shifts in policy and leadership, shaping ongoing debates and the public agenda.
A Stockport man in his 60s has pleaded guilty to 60 charges, including rape, rape by administering a substance, and sexual assault against his wife. The case involves a wider group of men accused of offences tied to the same victim. The court has delayed sentencing as more defendants face trial, with the proceedings continuing in Manchester.
Reform Wales has seen a high-profile defection as Sarah Cooper-Lesadd joins Plaid Cymru, boosting Plaid to 44 seats in the Welsh Senedd while Reform falls to 33. Dan Thomas has stepped down as Reform’s Welsh leader after an arrest inquiry, sparking a leadership contest.
Noah, a three-year-old with autism and partial hearing loss, was last seen at 3pm on Tuesday at a Merriam Close playground in Brantham, Suffolk. Police have deployed ground teams, dog units and helicopters as hundreds search the village, urging residents to check gardens, sheds and outbuildings. Authorities emphasise there is no evidence of criminality, but the search continues with public cooperation.
Apple’s iOS 27 rolls out Siri AI, a redesigned assistant that uses on‑device data to answer questions, drafts messages, and interacts with apps. Access is via a waitlist and is limited by device and region. The update also brings performance boosts and stricter kid-safety tools.
England grants routine NHS access to Enhertu for about 1,000 women a year with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer after NICE reached a commercial agreement with AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo. The move follows campaigns by charities and clinicians. Scotland has already authorised the drug, and Wales is expected to follow; Northern Ireland guidance remains unclear.
Stanford researchers have transplanted human brain organoids into mice with cortex-depleted brains, creating a model that links human tissue with mouse neural circuits. The work, reported in Nature, shows human cells wiring into mouse brain tissue and drawing attention to ethical oversight and limitations in translating to human disease.
A wave of sleep-tech products and premium bedding is redefining comfort as households seek cooler, more affordable ways to sleep well. From Simba HeatRelease mattresses to mulberry silk bedding and budget-friendly hybrids, readers are exploring practical upgrades that address night-time heat without breaking the bank.
Mortgages have seen sustained increases as oil prices surge, fueling inflation concerns and boosting bond yields. The latest data show the 30-year fixed rate has risen to multi-month highs, with refinancings and home-purchase activity muting as borrowing costs weigh on buyers.
A wave of AI disruption is reshaping teens’ education and parents’ plans as AI integration accelerates across schools, workplaces, and everyday life. The author reflects on balancing opportunity with risk while guiding a child toward an uncertain future.
Saffie Osborne has become the first female jockey to win a British Classic, riding Highwayman to victory in the St Leger at Doncaster on its 250th anniversary. The win follows a standout season and is hailed as a milestone in a male-dominated sport.
A 19-year-old man has been jailed for life for the murder of Mark Carroll in Camden in 2024, with the attack prompting family-led fundraising for a gravestone and raising concerns about how a supported-living facility handled prior arrests. The story also notes criticisms from the victim’s family and calls for systemic review of care housing policies.
A 36-year-old woman has been charged under the Explosive Substances Act and is remanded in custody. Police have evacuated nearby properties and set up road closures as forensic searches continue. No injuries have been reported. Displaced residents are offered support and a rest centre is arranged.
The death of Billy Watson in Armadale is being treated as murder after a gunshot wound. A 57-year-old man has been arrested, and detectives are reviewing vehicle sightings and multiple men in the area. Separate fires are being investigated for possible links. Police say the attack was targeted and that an increased presence will continue as inquiries go on.
Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe are leading the revamped 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing, with five new professionals and a reshaped format. The launch show airs on 19 September, and contestants include Delta Goodrem, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Lacey Turner. The trio say there is no direct replacement for the previous hosts and the format is open to experimentation.
More than 130 legal experts have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to broaden UK sanctions on Israeli settlements, saying measures so far fall short of the ICJ advisory opinion. The letter accompanies Ed Miliband’s ban on settlement imports and calls for a Russia-style crackdown across the entire occupation.
The 9/11 anniversary coverage shows President Trump facing renewed scrutiny over his account of being at Ground Zero after the attacks. Multiple outlets question the timeline and witnesses dispute his version, while Trump defends the tale at ceremonies and on Truth Social.
A series of luxury hotels are marketing wellness-forward accommodations and programs, from wellness floors and heated rooms to curated nutrition and sleep-focused amenities. The trend reflects a shift toward holistic health as a key differentiator for premium stays.
Gift guides for dog lovers now emphasize durability, everyday usefulness, and pet-focused tech. Picks span practical items, high-end accessories, and subscription services, reflecting a broader trend toward long-term value over novelty.
Two Renoir paintings were stolen from the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer, with two others abandoned during a quick smash-and-grab. Police are searching for the culprits amid wider concerns about security in smaller European museums following a spate of high-profile art thefts.
A UK study funded by Cancer Research UK shows that drinking beverages at very hot temperatures raises the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The risk increases with frequency, with six or more hot drinks daily raising the risk further, though the overall chance of developing SCC remains small.
Sebastien Pocognoli is naming his first Scotland squad as head coach, with a focus on integrating seven uncapped players and preparing a younger, attacking side. The camp in La Manga precedes fixtures against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia, as the team aims to rebuild after the World Cup and push for Nations League results.
Derek Parker Aghnaanga has survived after clinging to the top of a capsized skiff for more than two days near St. Lawrence Island. His older brother and a cousin died after the boat capsized during a halibut trip. Coast Guard and Northwest Explorer crews coordinated a rescue; the survivor is recovering with his family in Nome.
The Bills will stage a dual anthem ceremony with both Canada and U.S. national anthems before their season opener, reflecting ongoing tensions in U.S.-Canada trade. Barenaked Ladies will sing O Canada and Auliʻi Cravalho will perform the Star-Spangled Banner as Buffalo hosts Detroit at Highmark Stadium.
NYC public schools have introduced school avoidance liaisons to address chronic absenteeism after data shows high no-show rates among students, including a large share of disabled learners. The unpaid roles will work with families to reconnect students with mental health and other resources, with plans due by Sept. 30.
With nearly all ballots counted, Magdalena Andersson's centre‑left bloc has edged ahead of Ulf Kristersson's centre‑right coalition by roughly 26,000 votes, putting Andersson on track to reclaim the prime ministership. The Sweden Democrats have lost ground, falling from second to third place and weakening their immediate path into government.
A heat dome has locked in monsoon moisture, driving widespread storms from Arizona to New Mexico and beyond. Flood watches are in place as heavy rain threatens communities, with elevated risk into Friday.
Eight women have been found dead in the Kempton Park area and nearby townships east of Johannesburg. Police say the cases are being treated as potentially linked, with a multidisciplinary team established to pursue leads. A public warning has been issued urging women to avoid isolated areas while investigations continue.
The House has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a 262-159 vote and has sent it to President Donald Trump. The measure will expand sanctions on Russian officials, banks and the "shadow fleet" and will give the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on top purchasers of Russian energy.
The State Department has reprogrammed $52 million in foreign military financing from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The move aligns with the Trump administration's Western Hemisphere priorities, signaling a broader shift in U.S. security and defense aid while maintaining support to some European partners.
A Pakistani warship has collided with an Indian naval vessel in the northern Arabian Sea during a routine surveillance mission. New Delhi describes the incident as 'unacceptable and unprofessional,' citing a violation of a 1991 bilateral agreement that requires ships to stay at least three nautical miles apart. Diplomats have lodged protests with Pakistan and called for restraint as tensions rise.
Legislation would require state utility regulators to consider a standard for charging data centers for the full cost of new power and transmission upgrades. The bill passed 417-3. Supporters call it a modest first step to protect households from higher bills; opponents warn it may not curb rising costs or environmental impact. The debate comes as lawmakers push AI safeguards ahead of the midterms.
World No. 4 Patrick Fitzpatrick has voiced doubts about the DP World Tour’s end-of-season events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai amid security concerns linked to the Iran conflict. Tour leaders say they intend to proceed, but players are weighing safety and personal considerations as the two UAE events loom in November.
A Virginia federal court has sentenced Mohammad Sharifullah to the maximum term for providing material support to ISIS-K, while jurors remain deadlocked on his role in the Kabul airport bombing. Prosecutors say he helped scout the Abbey Gate route and coordinated attacks, though the court did not tie him to the airport bombing itself.
The race for control of the Senate is intensifying as political events and endorsements shape key battlegrounds. Multiple campaigns and public appearances are drawing scrutiny, with lawmakers and organizers urging turnout ahead of November.
The United States has extended visa sanctions to Palestinian Authority and PLO officials, citing failure to reform and actions undermining peace. The move coincides with ongoing UN General Assembly preparations as violence in the West Bank and Gaza continues.