A town in Greater Manchester, England, with a industrial-era mill and coal heritage, now a key administrative centre.
A government-wide crackdown on illegal waste dumping is expanding, with new powers to seize assets, higher fines, and regional enforcement to tackle organised waste crime that has blighted communities across England. The effort follows a BBC investigation identifying several supersites and a rising tide of waste crimes.
Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston has died at 92. The Cardiff-born winger, a trailblazer who helped break racial barriers in the sport, is remembered for a 15-year career with Wigan, 571 career tries, a knighthood in 2025 and multiple statue tributes. Tributes pour in from clubs and fans alike.
A van was struck by a train at a level crossing in Burscough, Lancashire. The driver died at the scene. Two train passengers suffered minor injuries as emergency services responded. Trains are disrupted with lines blocked between Wigan Wallgate and Southport, and buses are replacing some services.
Campaigners are pressing NHS England to update a 2017 rule that bars a second allogeneic stem cell transplant if relapse occurs within 12 months. Affected patients indicate the policy is outdated and unaffordable without fundraising. An independent review into the case for a second transplant is under way.
England's rugby union head coach Steve Borthwick has had his contract extended past the 2028 Six Nations to provide certainty ahead of next year’s World Cup in Australia. The RFU says the move will allow time to decide leadership beyond the tournament while backing the team if they perform well in Australia.
Residents of Piddington have voted 285–26 to secede from the UK in a symbolic referendum against Home Office plans to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers at MoD Bicester. The vote highlights local backlash over national distribution of asylum accommodation as authorities push to move away from hotels and HMOs.
Shaun Edwards has joined England’s Red Roses as a consultant for the remainder of the WXV Global Series, working with defence coach Sarah Hunter as England prepare for matches against New Zealand and other nations. The move follows England’s 26-26 draw with Canada that ended their 39-game winning streak.
England’s women have suffered a historic setback against Canada, ending a long unbeaten run. Canada has proven a serious title threat ahead of the 2029 World Cup, while England must reset under coach John Mitchell and press on with new talent balanced against established leadership.