Day: 17 December 2024

Outbreaks of rain soon spreading into Northern Ireland and Scotland, then spreading erratically eastwards into Wales and western England during the afternoon. Largely dry but often cloudy elsewhere. Feeling mild, but winds strengthening throughout the day, especially in the west. Tonight: A windy night, with outbreaks of rain spreading across all parts. Heaviest and most persistent rain across western hills, with some clearer albeit showery conditions arriving into the northwest later.

The naming of the alleged Chinese spy makes the front pages – as does his friend Prince Andrew, who’s continuing to feel the heat over his connections to the businessman that MI5 believe is a security threat to Britain.

There is coverage of several ongoing domestic stories including calls from Lucy Letby’s lawyers for a review of her murder conviction after a key witness ‘changed his mind.’ There’s also a light splattering of Brexit and budget stories on the front pages.

Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence Forces, was killed by a bomb in Moscow on Tuesday. The device, hidden in a scooter, exploded as Kirillov and an assistant left an apartment building in southeast Moscow, about four miles from the Kremlin.  

A 15-year-old student opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin, killing a teacher and a teenager, and injuring six others. The shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow (also known as Samantha), was a student at the school and reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two of the injured remain in critical condition.