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- Alpaca named Giovanni receives mirror for companionship following friends’ deaths
- Manchester United opt to sign two players to fill Casemiro’s role | Football
- Nearly 90 detained during mass trespass at prison supporting hunger striker
- King’s Role in Trump’s Change of Tone on UK Troops: Insights and Analysis
- New ‘British FBI’ super-force launched to address serious crime investigations
- Bayern Munich eye January move for Chelsea player as Blues seek £56m transfer
- Virgil van Dijk provides unexpected reason for error in Bournemouth defeat
- Company Invites Employees to Vote on Layoffs in Squid Game-Inspired Decision
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Alpaca named Giovanni receives mirror for companionship following friends’ deaths
1:00 pm
TL:DR – Alpaca named Giovanni receives mirror for companionship following friends’ deaths
- Giovanni, an 18-year-old alpaca, was gifted a mirror for companionship after losing his friends.
- The Screech Owl Sanctuary in Cornwall appealed for mirror donations on Facebook.
- The sanctuary received numerous mirrors, improving Giovanni’s mood.
- Operations director Gary Zammit noted Giovanni enjoys seeing his reflection.
- A regular visitor will donate two female alpacas to keep him company soon.
- Alpacas are social animals that can become lonely and stressed when isolated.
Alpaca called Giovanni given mirror for company after friends die | News UK
Giovanni was feeling lonely (Picture: Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park)
If you saw an alpaca looking at its own reflection, you’d be forgiven for thinking the animal was unusually vain.
But in this case, the alpaca isn’t self-obsessed; it’s lonely.
Giovanni, an elderly 18-year-old male, has been gifted the mirror after his two companions died.
Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park in Cornwall put out an appeal for members of the public to donate the items.
Giovanni has been lonely after the deaths of his pen mates (Picture: Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park)
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In a post on Facebook, the sanctuary said: ‘Since losing his best friend last week, Giovanni is in need of a special treat.’
‘While it is too cold for his paddling pool, we are asking if any of you are able to donate a mirror for him. ‘
‘A tall full length mirror or a smaller mirror that is able to hang would be ideal. ‘
‘Mirrors are a really good form of enrichment for alpacas as they provide a sense of companionship.’
Since the call for help, the animal park has been flooded with mirrors, with one now attached to the fence on his pen.
This has already cheered him up after the death of his companion Eddy earlier this month.
The alpaca can now keep himself company in the mirror (Picture: Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park)
Gary Zammit, operations director at the park, told BBC: ‘He seems quite happy seeing his reflection.’
‘He’s been pretty good but it’s even better when he’s got that there so he can see another alpaca as far as he, hopefully, thinks in the paddock with him.’
Giovanni won’t be alone for long, however, after a regular visitor to the park pledged to donate two female alpacas to keep him company.
Zammit said: ‘We’ve just got to do some planning, because obviously you can’t just take animals from anywhere and add them to a collection of this size.’
‘We would hopefully be looking at picking them up as soon as possible, and then hopefully quarantine, once all the tests are done, [it] won’t take long at all.’
Giovanni’s friend Eddy died earlier in January (Picture: Newest Newquay)
Alpacas are members of the camel family, which typically live for 20 years in captivity.
There are about 4 million alpacas in the world, with 96 per cent of them found in Peru and Bolivia.
They are extremely social animals that live in family herds and can become lonely and stressed if alone.
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Manchester United opt to sign two players to fill Casemiro’s role | Football
11:00 am
TL:DR – Manchester United opt to sign two players to fill Casemiro’s role | Football
- Casemiro is leaving Manchester United at the end of the season after joining in 2022 for £70m.
- United are now looking to sign two midfielders instead of one, with targets including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
- The signings are part of enhancing the squad for the next permanent manager.
- Casemiro expressed his commitment to the club until his departure.
Manchester United decide to sign two players to replace Casemiro | Football
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Match Summary
Manchester United are planning to sign two players to replace Casemiro after he announced he is leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Five-time Champions League winner Casemiro joined the Red Devils in 2022 in a £70m deal from Real Madrid.
Much was expected of the Brazilian legend given his success at the Bernabeu but Casemiro initially struggled at United.
The 33-year-old has largely impressed this season, however, and was named player of the match after Manchester United’s derby win over Manchester City last weekend.
United were already planning to sign a midfielder this summer but now want two through the doors at Old Trafford to compensate for Casemiro’s departure.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have been heavily linked with the Red Devils but United were only expected to sign one of the talented trio.
However, according to talkSPORT, Manchester United are now planning to sign two of the three transfer targets to bolster the midfield options for the next permanent manager.
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Tactical Analysis
Michael Carrick was appointed caretaker boss until the end of the season after Ruben Amorim’s sacking at the start of the month.
Amorim was keen to sign a new central midfielder last summer but United decided to keep their powder dry after spending almost £200m on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens.
Ex-Sporting manager Amorim also put pressure on United to sign a midfielder in January and United’s reluctance to do so was one of the reasons his relationship with the board turned sour.
Current Standings
The Daily Mail say new England star Anderson is United’s No. 1 target as things stand but Nottingham Forest are believed to want over £100m for the 23-year-old.
Anderson has continued to impress despite Forest being dragged into a relegation battle and winning just six of their 22 league games to date.
United are not alone in expressing interest in Anderson, however, with local rivals Manchester City known admirers and able to offer the player more lucrative wages.
Manchester United’s ability to sign Anderson is therefore expected to be dependent on whether or not Carrick is able to deliver the club Champions League football for next season.
The Red Devils are fifth, one point behind fourth-placed Liverpool, ahead of Sunday’s clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Another option for United is Baleba, who Amorim was keen to welcome to Manchester United last summer.
The Cameroon international verbally agreed a move to the Theatre of Dreams and would be just as interested in a summer switch to United.
Brighton wanted well over £100m for the 22-year-old six months ago but the Mail claim their asking price has now dropped to around £75m.
United could decide to go all in on Wharton but will not have a free run at the Crystal Palace star, who is also a target for Liverpool.
Wharton is expected to be another big-name departure from Selhurst Park, with Palace already losing Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, while Jean-Philippe Mateta could yet leave before the transfer window shuts and manager Oliver Glasner is off in the summer.
Casemiro’s departure may not have been felt a year or so ago but his upturn in form changes things.
Confirming his decision to leave the club, Casemiro said: ‘I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life.
‘It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months.
‘We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.’
United caretaker boss Carrick added: ‘It is coming into that time of the season with contracts. We are working away through January. There will be conversations at the right time.
‘The announcement for Case was for clarity. It was decided before I arrived. The type of personality and character he is shows with his performance. He is desperate to do well.’
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Nearly 90 detained during mass trespass at prison supporting hunger striker
10:00 am
TL:DR – Nearly 90 detained during mass trespass at prison supporting hunger striker
- Nearly 90 pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested at HMP Wormwood Scrubs for aggravated trespass.
- Arrests occurred after activists breached a staff entrance while protesting for Umer Khalid, a prisoner on a hunger strike.
- Activists allegedly threatened police officers and blocked prison staff access.
- The Ministry of Justice condemned the protest as an “escalation” and reaffirmed support for peaceful protest.
- Khalid has been imprisoned since July 2025, linked to activities at RAF Brize Norton.
Almost 90 arrested over mass trespass at prison in support of hunger striker | News UK
Members of the group allegedly breached prison grounds (Picture: Lab Mo/LNP)
Almost 90 people who ‘breached prison grounds’ at HMP Wormwood Scrubs have been arrested, the Met Police have said.
Eighty-six members of the group were detained on suspicion of aggravated trespass after they allegedly got inside a staff entrance area of the prison.
The activists were demonstrating last night in support of 22-year-old Umer Khalid, an alleged Palestine Action prisoner, who is on the second day of a thirst strike after restarting his hunger strike 15 days ago.
The Met Police said protestors ‘refused to leave the grounds’ of HMP Wormwood Scrubs when ordered to do so and ‘threatened police officers’.
Members of the group also allegedly threatened officers (Picture: Lab Mo/LNP)
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A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said that ‘at no point was prison security compromised’ and called the action an ‘escalation’ that was ‘completely unacceptable’.
They added: ‘While we support the right to peacefully protest, reports of trespassing and threats being made to staff and police officers are deeply concerning.’
Members of the group also allegedly blocked prison staff from entering and leaving.
Khalid, who is one of the group imprisoned since July 2025 allegedly in connection to events at RAF Brize Norton, is on an ‘extremely dangerous’ thirst strike, Prisoners for Palestine said.
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
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King’s Role in Trump’s Change of Tone on UK Troops: Insights and Analysis
9:19 am
TL:DR – “King’s Role in Trump’s Change of Tone on UK Troops: Insights and Analysis”
- Donald Trump backtracked on claims UK troops ‘stayed off the frontlines’ in Afghanistan after King Charles intervened.
- Trump’s initial comments angered veterans; he later called UK troops ‘among the greatest of all warriors.’
- King Charles conveyed concerns through back channels, highlighting the need to respect the sacrifices of soldiers.
- The exchange coincided with discussions on trade and foreign issues during Trump’s state visit to the UK.
- Insights reveal the royal family’s potential influence in US-UK relations amid Trump’s presidency.
King’s intervention ‘was behind Trump’s backtrack over jibe at UK troops’ | News World
United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)” decoding=”sync”/>Trump’s Controversial Comments on UK Troops
After claiming that British troops ‘stayed a little off the frontlines’ in Afghanistan, Donald Trump has backtracked – thanks to the intervention of King Charles.
Trump’s claims that the US ‘never needed’ UK troops infuriated veterans this weekend.
He said: ‘They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan… and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines.’
Just 48 hours after making the shocking comments, Trump made a new post saying UK troops were ‘among the greatest of all warriors’ after King Charles swayed him, and Keir Starmer spoke to him.
A source told The Sun King Charles reached out through back channels to speak to Trump, adding: ‘It was made very clear that the King’s concern over the hurt had been caused by the comments, whether inadvertent or not.’
Trump later clarified: ‘It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the USA!). We love you all, and always will! President Donald J Trump.’
King Charles’ Diplomatic Role
A Downing Street spokesperson said Trump and Starmer spoke on the phone shortly before his apparent apologetic post.
‘The Prime Minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice,’ he said.
The encounter comes just days after a royal expert suggested to WTX News that King Charles could be the UK’s secret weapon when it came to placating Trump.
It’s well known that Trump has an infatuation with the Royal family – something royal expert Duncan Larcombe thinks is due to his mother’s Scottish roots, and his own business interests in the UK.
‘For Trump, the ‘Special Relationship’ is something he holds quite dear. But Trump will be Trump,’ Larcombe told WTX News.
The King is due to visit the United States in April, a trip which some have suggested should be cancelled over Trump’s tariff threats regarding Greenland. Larcombe said that during a US visit, it would be down to Charles personally to ‘test the waters’ with Trump.
‘If they end up having a full and frank conversation, who knows what Charles might say?
‘The King doesn’t have the same power his mother had. But with a president who is so friendly toward Britain and the Royal Family, there is every chance Donald Trump might listen to him,’ he added.
New ‘British FBI’ super-force launched to address serious crime investigations
7:00 am
TL:DR – New ‘British FBI’ super-force launched to address serious crime investigations
- A new ‘British FBI’, the National Police Service (NPS), will tackle counter-terrorism, fraud, and gang investigations.
- The NPS merges existing agencies like the National Crime Agency and Counter Terror Policing.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood aims to free local forces to focus on community crime.
- The NPS will deploy advanced technology and set policing standards across England and Wales.
- Concerns about costs and community detachment from policing remain amid support for reform.
New super-force dubbed the ‘British FBI’ to tackle major crime investistigations | News UK
Armed Metropolitan Police on duty in Westminster (Picture: In Pictures via Getty Images)
A new national crime-fighting force dubbed the ‘British FBI’ will take over counter-terror, fraud and gang investigations under major policing reforms.
The National Police Service (NPS) will be created to crack down on serious and complex crimes, bringing the work of existing agencies such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) and regional organised crime units under the same organisation.
Counter Terror Policing (CTP) led by the Metropolitan Police, the National Police Air Service run by West Yorkshire Police and the National Roads Policing will all be merged into the new NPS.
It is hoped to lift the burden on local police forces, who are believed to be diverting time and resources away from everyday policing against shoplifting and antisocial behaviour to deal with national policing issues.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the move as she is set to reveal reforms for policing in a White Paper on Monday.
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‘The current policing model was built for a different century,’ she said.
‘Some local forces lack the skills or resources they need to fight complex modern crime such as fraud, online child abuse or organised criminal gangs.
‘We will create a new National Police Service – dubbed “the British FBI” – deploying world-class talent and state-of-the-art technology to track down and catch dangerous criminals.
‘In doing so, local forces will be able to spend more time fighting crime in their communities.’
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood during a tour of the Lambeth Central Communications Command Centre (Picture: PA)
Police officers patrol outside Houses of Parliament in Westminster (Picture: EPA)
The NPS will be headed up by a National Police Commissioner who will become the most senior police chief in the country.
Once up and running, it will set standards and training for policing – and buy new technology such as facial recognition on behalf of all police forces.
The service would share technology, intelligence and resources across borders and be created in stages working alongside the NCA, CTP and regional organised crime units for the transition.
It will cover England and Wales but will be able to operate in the wider UK, a Home Office spokesperson said.
A joint statement from the Met, CTP and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said: ‘Modern crime requires a modern policing response. We support and have been calling for this ambitious step to bring together some of the most capable policing teams in the country into a single National Police Service.
‘This builds on the high international regard that already exists amongst partners for Counter Terrorism Policing, whose capabilities and professionalism are recognised globally.
‘This transformation, however, must be delivered with care. Its success depends on maintaining strong connections with local policing and the communities we serve.
Shabana Mahmood watches a live policing operation during a tour of the Lambeth Central Communications Command Centre (Picture: PA)
‘Neighbourhood officers remain indispensable in disrupting organised crime and countering terrorism. Their relationships, insights and presence on the ground are foundational to public safety.
‘As we implement this reform programme, protecting those vital local links will be essential to ensuring the new National Police Service strengthens – not separates – the bond between policing and the public.’
City of London police protected in reshuffle
It comes as officers in the City of London said they remained confident that they would keep their national responsibility for fraud under restructuring plans ahead of the announcement.
In a statement to the Press Association, chairman of the City of London Police Authority, Tijs Broeke, and City of London Police Commissioner and NPCC lead for cyber and economic crime, Pete O’Doherty, said: “We support reforms that aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of policing for victims.
‘As the national lead force for fraud, the City of London Police, supported by the City of London Corporation, plays a critical role in tackling economic crime and protecting the UK’s economic security, supporting the Government’s ambitions for growth, prosperity, and public safety.’
But backing the plans, former head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Neil Basu, said it will be ‘far more capable as one national security system dealing more effectively with major crime, organised crime and terrorism in all its forms’.
Metropolitan Police officers patrolling outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Picture: John Patrick Fletcher/Action Plus/Shutterstock)
Head of the Metropolitan Police Sir Mark Rowley has previously supported the idea of the national responsibility for counter-terrorism being removed from his force.
And Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, which would be merged into the new organisation, is also supporting the proposals.
Ms Mahmood is already expected to slash the overall number of forces from their current level of 43 under the White Paper.
The Home Secretary has previously said that the structure of 43 forces in England and Wales is ‘irrational’, and police chiefs such as Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley have already called for radical reform of the set-up, backing a system with fewer, but larger, forces.
But reacting to the move on Friday the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) said the creation of regional forces would be expensive, time-consuming and risks separating police forces from their communities.
Ministers have already announced plans to scrap police and crime commissioners in 2028 to save at least £100 million and help fund neighbourhood policing.
Instead, mayors and council leaders will take up the responsibilities of policing arrangements.
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Bayern Munich eye January move for Chelsea player as Blues seek £56m transfer
4:05 am
TL:DR – Bayern Munich eye January move for Chelsea player as Blues seek £56m transfer
- Bayern Munich is interested in Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, despite Chelsea not wanting to sell (see reference: Bayern Munich are considering a move).
- Acheampong has made 17 appearances but isn’t a regular starter under coaches Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior (see reference: highly regarded by Chelsea).
- Crystal Palace is also monitoring him after Marc Guehi’s transfer to Manchester City (see reference: Crystal Palace are also said to be interested).
- Acheampong is under contract until 2029, but regular game time may affect his future (see reference: not get regular minutes).
Bayern Munich consider January bid for Chelsea star as Blues target £56m deal | Football
Bayern Munich are plotting a move for one of Chelsea’s academy graduates (Picture: Getty)
Bayern Munich are considering a move for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong in the final week of the January transfer window, according to reports.
Acheampong is highly regarded by Chelsea, and the Blues are not looking to sell the defender, who has made 17 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
But regardless, several clubs are monitoring the progress of the 19-year-old, who has not been a regular starter under either Enzo Maresca or new head coach Liam Rosenior.
The Guardian reports that German giants Bayern are interested in a move for Acheampong and have not ruled out the possibility of lodging a bid before the end of the January window.
Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in the young, versatile defender after they sold captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City.
Acheampong is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029 having signed a five-year deal in December 2024 after speculation over his long-term future at the club.
But that speculation looks set to intensify again, particularly if Acheampong does not get regular minutes under Rosenior.
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Josh Acheampong is being monitored by Bayern Munich (Picture: Getty)
Trevor Chalobah and Wesley Fofana appear to be the first-choice pairing, but Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badisahille have also been preferred to the 19-year-old in recent games against Brentford and Pafos.
And Chelsea’s pursuit of young defender Jeremy Jacquet could see Acheampong slip further down the pecking order.
The Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with Jacquet but are still yet to come to an agreement with Rennes over a fee, with the French club said to be demanding a club-record £56million.
Jeremy Jacquet is wanted by Chelsea (Picture: AFP)
Asked about the potential departure of Jacquet, Rennes boss Habib Beye said on Friday: ‘There are still a few days left in the transfer window; anything can happen. We need things to be as calm as possible.’
Elsewhere, Chelsea are also looking to bolster their options in midfield, and have reportedly held talks with Juventus over a straight loan deal for Douglas Luiz.
Luiz is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, but has started just two league games since the arrival of Sean Dyche.
Asked about speculation over Luiz’s future at Forest, Dyche said: ‘He is a very good player. I said when we played him in Europe (before Christmas) we probably rushed him back, but because of his experience he has used that wisely to be back.
‘It doesn’t surprise me there is interest from other clubs in good players. That’s the nature of the business.
‘It’s a doubled-edged sword. You sort of want people interested in your players, that means they are doing a good job and are good players, but you don’t because you don’t want them coming knocking on the door.
‘That’s part of modern football.’
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