Author: News Desk

Sharon Osbourne leaves fans howling with recreation of ‘iconic’ X Factor moment 17 years on Sharon Osbourne made lots of people very happy by recreating one of the most memorable The X Factor auditions of all time. The former TV show judge was in attendance at one of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shows in London this summer when she bumped into a fan who refused to let the opportunity just pass him by. With nothing but a phone, a vision and a dream, TikTok user Yameurr got to work making himself go viral. The video, which reached 1.4 million views…

Editorial 08.10.24 Much of the American front pages are dominated by the incoming storm – Hurricane Milton – expected to make landfall in the US on Wednesday.  Warnings for Milton come just 10 days after the devastation of Hurricane Helene – the deadliest mainland storm since Katrina in 2005 – battered the US south-east, killing at least 225 people. Hundreds more are missing.  US officials are warning of a possible threat to life posed by Milton as it continues to barrel towards Florida. ‘Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida’ Several headlines report on mass evacuations and delivering supplies to isolated communities.…

Two Israeli airstrikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday evening, following a warning from Israel’s military to residents in the area, according to Lebanese state media. Israeli airstrikes target southern Beirut Lebanese state media reports An AFP correspondent reported seeing smoke rising from the suburbs, while Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed the area was “the target of two raids.” Follow our live blog for updates on the day’s unfolding events. Jump to section:

Boris Johnson has denied mocking the public for obeying lockdown rules “like a religion” in his new memoir, which saw him question why people “so avidly craved” restrictions.

HS2: High-speed rail line will end at London Euston, transport secretary Louise Haigh indicates The transport secretary has indicated that HS2 will run into central London, saying it “would never have made sense” for that not to happen, following months of speculation over the rail line. The government will make a final announcement around the time of the budget, Louise Haigh suggested. Asked if it would be affordable to get HS2 to terminate at Euston, she said: “We will be making an announcement on that soon. “But it certainly would never have made sense to leave it between Old Oak…

He continued: “I think the problem is not with the decision itself, it’s not even with the implementation of the decision, the problem is with the use we make of it right now and the championing of Brexit.

Ofwat: Which water companies have been fined and how can I claim? Water companies have been ordered to return nearly £160m to customers next year after missing several key targets. Industry regulator Ofwat announced the figure through its annual review of the companies. The multi-million sum will be returned to customers via a rebate on bills, meaning many will see them lowered next year. The exact amount customers can expect back will depend on their provider, with some fined more than others. One of the key targets missed was a substantial reduction in pollution incidents. Despite water companies committing to…

Madeleine McCann: Where are the missing girl’s family now as suspect Christian Brueckner cleared of rape charges? The case of Madeleine McCann, the British toddler who disappeared from a Portuguese holiday resort 16 years ago, unexpectedly lurched back into life in May 2023 when investigators launched a major search operation at a reservoir in the Algarve. The initiative was instigated by German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters, who said officials were acting on “certain tips” from Christian Brueckner, an incarcerated sex offender who lived in the area between 2000 and 2017. Mr Wolters has said he is “very confident” the 47-year-old…

Grieving family of man murdered 35 years ago hope for forensic breakthrough as police reopen investigation The family of a man murdered in an unsolved shooting 35 years ago hope to finally get justice after detectives reopened the investigation following advances in forensic science. Richard Haywood, commonly known as Ricky, was shot multiple times in an attack at his home above Ambiance Jewellers in Shirley Road, Southampton, on 16 October 1989. No-one has ever been charged with the 36-year-old’s murder and Mr Haywood’s heartbroken mother went to her grave never knowing who killed her son. But now Hampshire Constabulary has…

Tories cut Starmer’s poll lead to one point ahead of crucial leadership vote – Live updates In a dramatic twist, the Conservatives have narrowed Labour’s lead to just one point, raising alarms for Sir Keir Starmer’s party months after its sweeping election victory. The latest More in Common poll revealed the party now sits at 29 per cent, down one percentage point, while the Tories have gained two points, reaching 28 per cent. This represents the smallest lead Labour has seen since the pollster began tracking voting intentions last year. Sir Keir’s government is grappling with significant backlash over plans…