A city in Greater Manchester with a storied cotton and docks past
Glasgow Warriors have come from 12-0 down to beat Sale 47-27 in their Champions Cup opener, with late tries from Darge, Smith and Tuipulotu sealing the bonus point. Sale briefly led again but Glasgow’s driving maul proved decisive and ensured maximum points as the clubs head into December fixtures.
Ruwald van der Merwe makes a high-impact debut at No. 8 for Glasgow Warriors against Sale Sharks, while Ottavio Tuipulotu also debuts off the bench. Gregor Hiddleston’s late withdrawal prompts the elder Tuipulotu to share in an emotional moment as the Scots secure a bonus-point win. The squad’s new signings, including Jack Singleton and Bayley Kuenzele, are integrated amid a busy recruitment drive.
Labour has elected Andy Burnham as leader and prime minister, propelled by a Makerfield by-election win. He vows to devolve power from Westminster and to drive a housing-led, regionally focused agenda. Bev Craig is set to become Greater Manchester’s mayor as Labour seeks to consolidate gains across the region.
The government has announced a major cabinet reshuffle under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, appointing a large new team and outlining an energy-relief plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Several long-standing figures have left or shifted roles as the administration signals a definitive break with the prior leadership.
Saints have seen head coach Paul Rowley depart less than a year into his tenure, days before a high-stakes derby with Wigan. Interim boss Eamon O’Carroll is taking charge as the club looks to steady a troubled season, while Wigan push to close ground in the league.
Britain is expanding the No. 10 North concept, relocating more Whitehall work to the north and convening a National Economic Council in Manchester to coordinate national and local policy. The plan signals a decisive push to devolve power away from Westminster and may redraw regional growth strategies.
BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast will see Katty Munchetty move from BBC Breakfast to host the flagship show from January, while Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards are stepping down this December. Munchetty has praised the move and the programme’s live-news format, and the network confirms a new co-host will be announced later this year.
Bev Craig is poised to become Greater Manchester mayor as Labour seeks to consolidate power after the Makerfield byelection. Results indicate Labour leads with a substantial margin, while Reform UK trails and Greens widen their foothold. Turnout remains relatively low despite the historic scale of the vote.
Nathan Owen has been jailed for four years and three months after fabricating a car-acceleration emergency to avoid a finance agreement. Police pursued the Jaguar I-Pace across multiple motorways, but investigations showed the car was functioning and speeds reached up to 86mph before it was stopped.
A woman in her 70s has been found dead in Stanley Park, Liverpool, inside a black bin bag in a walled garden. Police describe the death as a shockingly violent crime and are appealing for information as they pursue leads to identify the woman and find those responsible.
The BBC has decided to discontinue Ski Sunday as part of a broader review of sport output. The programme, a staple since 1978, is being replaced by digital-first coverage of winter sports across BBC platforms, with more online content and live rights preserved for major events.
The Independent reports that the 48-year-old New York-born actor is joining General Hospital as William Baines, joining a wave of casting changes. Debuts are set for Thursday, September 3, as the soap continues its long-running tale in Port Charles. The moves follow recent departures and recastings, including Jack Brennan’s kill-off and Ethan Lovett’s recasting.
A series of updates on Scotland’s justice system include expanded GPS monitoring for high-risk suspects, a new safety fund for women and girls, and calls for tighter bail conditions. Authorities report rising charges and delays, while victims and advocates press for stronger protections and faster prosecution.
Wales and South Africa face off in Cardiff in the WXV Global Series opener. Wales are aiming to rebound from nine straight defeats, while South Africa seek to cement their rising form after a World Cup quarter-final. A physical contest is expected with live coverage on BBC platforms.
Lillia, a 13-year-old from Bolton, remains missing after police confirm sightings in Greater Manchester. She was last seen at the Trafford Centre on Saturday, then on a bus to Altrincham; investigators are reviewing CCTV and doorbell footage and appeal for help from anyone who was on the 247 bus or has information on her whereabouts.
Counter-terrorism police have disrupted an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester during Yom Kippur. Two men in their 30s have been arrested, with searches in Salford and Liverpool. Police say the investigation is ongoing and heightened security is in place for the High Holy Days.
Two Iranian nationals have been charged in Manchester with preparing to commit or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism. They were arrested ahead of Yom Kippur and are believed to have been in contact with an overseas third party; authorities say there is no ongoing public threat.
BT has agreed to acquire TalkTalk and its wholesale unit PXC on a debt‑free basis, costing about 400 million pounds. The move is framed as safeguarding 2.5 million TalkTalk customers and critical national infrastructure, while navigating an ongoing regulatory review after the deal was announced by BT and under government intervention. TalkTalk’s revenue stands at around 1.2 billion pounds last year, but the company has incurred losses and reduced its consumer base, now around 1.5 million retail customers.