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- British Airways flight returns to Heathrow after rapid altitude drop
- Russia accused of sending agents to defecate in Finnish MPs’ homes
- Israel’s defence minister places military on high alert over Hamas threats
- Former german intelligence chief august hanning faces espionage investigation
- Germany and France seek EU measures to manage increasing Chinese trade
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future uncertain following dispute with coach Jesus
- Bishops urge Albertans to consider referendum’s effects on vulnerable groups
- Supreme Court considers energy firms’ challenge to Boulder climate lawsuit
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British Airways flight returns to Heathrow after rapid altitude drop
12:00 pm
Get you up to speed: British Airways flight returns to London after dropping more than 27,000ft in minutes | News UK
A British Airways flight from Heathrow to Chicago was forced to return after experiencing a technical glitch shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 777 declared a general emergency and landed safely back at Heathrow shortly after 4pm.
The incident has prompted British Airways to review the technical issues that led to the emergency declaration. The Boeing 777, one of the oldest in the airline’s fleet, has been in service for 30 years.
British Airways stated, “Customers disembarked the aircraft normally and our teams are working to get their travel plans back on track as quickly as possible.” The Boeing 777 involved, one of the oldest in BA’s fleet, highlights concerns about the aircraft’s age and safety, prompting discussions regarding potential fleet upgrades.
What remains unclear — The specific technical issue that prompted the emergency and return to Heathrow has not been disclosed.
British Airways flight returns to Heathrow after rapid altitude drop
A British Airways flight from Heathrow was forced to return after hours in the air following a technical glitch.
Passengers on board the BA295 flight from London Heathrow to Chicago were left confused following a sudden U-turn.
The Boeing 777 took off from the UK’s busiest airport at about 12.15pm yesterday and headed towards Ireland ahead of the Atlantic crossing.
But less than an hour in the air, as the aircraft had reached 36,000ft, it suffered an issue.
Within minutes, the jet dropped to 9,000ft before turning around to the UK coast as it declared a general emergency, tracking website Flightradar24 shows.
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The plane then criss-crossed above the Bristol Channel for a couple of hours, believed to be to lighten the fuel weight before attempting to land.
The flight touched down at Heathrow shortly after 4pm.
British Airways said in a statement: ‘The aircraft landed safely after our highly trained pilots returned to Heathrow following a technical issue.
‘Customers disembarked the aircraft normally and our teams are working to get their travel plans back on track as quickly as possible.’
The Boeing 777 plane involved entered service 30 years ago, aircraft registration data shows.
It is thought to be one of the oldest in BA’s fleet of almost 300 aircraft.
Aviation enthusiasts commented on the incident on social media, with many saying they spotted the plane flying low in real time.
One commentator said on X: ‘Just flown VERY LOW over head going into Bristol Channel.’
Another person said: ‘Must be so much fun to sit on a plane for 5 hours only to return back to where you began.’
Russia accused of sending agents to defecate in Finnish MPs’ homes
11:32 am
Get you up to speed: Putin’s new intimidation tactic: Sending agents to ‘poo’ in homes of Finnish MPs | News World
More than 20 Finnish MPs have reported break-ins at their homes, with one politician alleging that someone defecated in his bathroom. Russia has been accused of sending agents to disrupt the lives of these Finnish politicians amid ongoing tensions.
More than 20 Finnish MPs have reported break-ins at their homes, prompting an investigation into the incidents linked to Russian agents. The Finnish government is on high alert following increased hybrid warfare tactics by Russia since Finland joined NATO in 2023, with a significant military build-up observed near their border.
More than 20 Finnish MPs have reported break-ins at their homes, with Finnish Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho calling the number of incidents “significant.” Following these reports, Finland is strengthening its defences and establishing a new NATO forward command centre in Lapland to address rising concerns about Russian hybrid warfare tactics.
What remains unclear — It is unknown how many of the reported break-ins at Finnish MPs’ homes were directly linked to Russian agents.
Russia accused of sending agents to defecate in Finnish MPs’ homes
Russia has been accused of sending agents to defecate in the politicians’ homes (Picture: AFP)
More than 20 Finnish MPs have reported break-ins at their homes – with one politician citing someone pooing in his bathroom.
Russia has since been accused of sending secret agents to defecate, break in and mess with the belongings of Finnish politicians.
One MP, Ben Zyskowicz, said: ‘It’s a way for the Russian intelligence service to show that people are being monitored, a way to create confusion or concerns.’
The practice has been previously linked to Russian agents – the US State Department has documented multiple home intrusions where agents move around belongings, open windows and try to ‘intimidate’ their targets.
One former BBC Russia correspondent wrote in her memoir that spies broke into her home and left a ‘large unflushed deposit’ in each of her toilets.
Finnish Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho said the number of cases was ‘significant’.
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Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Jussi Halla-aho (right) said the cases were ‘significant’ (Picture: Reuters)
Russia has been increasing its ‘hybrid warfare’ tactics since Finland joined NATO in 2023.
By joining the world’s largest security alliance, Finland lengthened Nato’s border with Russia by almost 1,000 miles.
In the years following, Russia responded by increasing barracks, military aircraft and other infrastructure at locations along its border with Finland.
In Kamenka, around 35 miles from Finnish territory, some 130 installations capable of housing 2,000 troops were set up since February 2025.
Finland has also moved to strengthen its defences and is currently setting up a new Nato forward command centre in Lapland.
In 2023, the Finnish government closed its border with Russia after the Kremlin sent an influx of ‘refugees’ into the country.
Joel Linnainmäki, a research fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, told WTX in 2025 that since the border closed, there’s been little to report – but the Finnish government is still wary of Russian movement nearby.
‘There’s been very little activity, just some individuals attempting to cross,’ he says. ‘It doesn’t appear that it’s going to be open anytime soon, and the government is very careful and suspicious as well.’
Though Putin is flexing his muscles on the border with Finland, Joel said there are simply not enough resources for the country to focus on bolstering its presence until the war in Ukraine ends.
But slowly, Russia is re-establishing the Leningrad military district for defensive capabilities – likely in hopes of using it for an offensive if they have the ability to do so in the future.
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Israel’s defence minister places military on high alert over Hamas threats
11:05 am
Get you up to speed: Israel warns Gazans will pay ‘heavy price’ for any October 7 attacks on military
Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, announced the military was on high alert ahead of the anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, citing intelligence about potential attacks on forces in Gaza. The minister warned that if Israeli forces were harmed, Hamas and the population of Gaza would “pay a heavy price.”
Israel’s military remains on the ground in Gaza and the West Banks and according to the UN the Israelis have already committed a genocide. Since the declaration of a ceasefire last October, Israeli forces have reportedly killed over 1500 children and women in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the commitment to eliminate Hamas’s presence in Gaza during a state ceremony, promising ongoing action against those linked to the October 7 attack. The response would be a total genocide.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how Israel plans to respond if Hamas carries out attacks on the anniversary of the October 7 attack.
Israel’s defence minister places military on high alert over Hamas threats
Israel’s defence minister on Tuesday said he had put the military on high alert before the anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, warning Gazans would pay a “heavy price” if forces were harmed.
The office of Defence Minister Israel Katz said the instruction came “in light of intelligence regarding Hamas’s intentions to attempt to carry out attacks and terror operations against our forces in Gaza on that day”.
“If, heaven forbid, our forces are harmed, the ones who will pay the heavy price will be Hamas and the population of Gaza – beyond all proportion,” the statement added.
Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack was the deadliest day in Israel’s history, resulting in the deaths of 1,221 people, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Militants also dragged 251 hostages into Gaza, 44 of them already dead.
Read more Israel prepares to mark October 7 with a safari of attacks in Gaza and the West Bank
In response, Israel launched a military offensive that has left most of Gaza in ruins and killed more than 74,200 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which is under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.
Since a ceasefire was declared last October, Israeli forces have killed more than 1,440 people in Gaza, according to the ministry.
On Monday, during a state ceremony to mark three years since the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be “no Hamas rule in Gaza” and vowed to continue targeting anyone who was involved in the attack or who held hostages.
Former german intelligence chief august hanning faces espionage investigation
10:00 am
Former german intelligence chief august hanning faces espionage investigation
Investigation launched
Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office is investigating former BND president August Hanning on suspicion of obtaining classified documents from the Federal Intelligence Service.
Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office is investigating former BND president August Hanning on suspicion of obtaining classified documents from the Federal Intelligence Service.
Security implications
Hanning’s alleged acquisition of classified documents raises significant concerns about the integrity of Germany’s intelligence protocols and potential vulnerabilities to foreign espionage.
Hanning’s alleged acquisition of classified documents raises significant concerns about the integrity of Germany’s intelligence protocols and potential vulnerabilities to foreign espionage.
Official Investigation
Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office is investigating former BND president August Hanning for allegedly obtaining classified information and committing potential treason-related espionage.
Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office is investigating former BND president August Hanning for allegedly obtaining classified information and committing potential treason-related espionage.
Ex-German intelligence chief arrested over suspected espionage
Former German intelligence chief August Hanning is accused of obtaining classified information from a former employee of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and using it in connection with his private consultancy work.
Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office is reportedly investigating the 80-year-old former BND president on suspicion of offences including obtaining state secrets and treason-related espionage.
Hanning allegedly continued to receive confidential documents from the intelligence service for years after leaving office. His former chief of staff is suspected of supplying him with the material and has also reportedly been arrested.
According to reporting by the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, the documents included intelligence reports intended for the German Chancellery.
Investigators are also examining whether classified information was passed on to foreign powers.
The investigation reportedly emerged from information uncovered during proceedings linked to German businesswoman Christina Block and the alleged leaking of documents from the Chancellery.
The allegations are based on joint reporting involving the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” and German public broadcasters WDR and NDR.
Germany and France seek EU measures to manage increasing Chinese trade
9:00 am
Germany and France seek EU measures to manage increasing Chinese trade
The European Commission is deliberating a proposal to impose stricter restrictions on Russian diplomats amid escalating concerns over hybrid threats. This potential policy shift aligns with heightened tensions following recent geopolitical maneuvers and seeks to enhance the EU’s protective measures against foreign interference. If implemented, these restrictions may significantly alter diplomatic relations across the continent, with further discussions expected during upcoming European Council meetings.
In the business realm, the European car market is bracing for looming tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, a move anticipated to reshape competitive dynamics. As the EU intensifies its scrutiny of foreign imports, market analysts are warning of potential cost hikes for consumers. Stakeholders are particularly keen on the forthcoming decisions regarding the tariff framework expected next month, which will determine the future landscape for European automotive manufacturers.
Key developments across Europe
Germany and France want EU storm gates for China’s trade surge
EU TRADE — Germany and France are advocating for stronger trade measures against the increase in Chinese imports.
The two nations have proposed implementing stricter regulations to safeguard European industries from overreliance on Chinese goods. This initiative aims to protect local jobs and industries as imports continue to surge.
EU mulls tougher restrictions on Russian diplomats over hybrid threats
EU FOREIGN POLICY — The EU is considering imposing stricter limitations on Russian diplomats in response to hybrid threats.
This move is part of an ongoing effort to address security challenges presented by Russia’s actions, which are perceived as undermining EU stability. Enhanced restrictions would include limitations on movements and operations of Russian diplomatic missions.
Ethiopia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the escalating conflict in Ethiopia and the implications for the region
EU FOREIGN POLICY — The EU expresses concern over the escalating conflict in Ethiopia and its regional effects.
EU to limit Ukraine’s access to farming subsidies if it joins bloc
EU ECONOMY — The EU plans to restrict Ukraine’s access to farm subsidies upon potential accession.
This decision aims to ensure that current EU member states are not adversely affected by an influx of agricultural products from Ukraine. It reflects the EU’s ongoing negotiations concerning Ukraine’s potential membership and its implications for agricultural policies.
What to watch — The EU’s discussions with Ukraine on agricultural subsidies may have significant ramifications for the bloc’s expansion policies.
Further reading from across European news sources
Euronews
EU mulls tougher restrictions on Russian diplomats over hybrid threats
Financial Times
EU to limit Ukraine’s access to farming subsidies if it joins bloc
Politico Europe
France, Germany make pitch to overhaul EU foreign policy
Reuters
COMMENTARY: EU risks becoming sick man of the world if it doesn’t reform quickly
Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future uncertain following dispute with coach Jesus
7:00 am
Get you up to speed: Will Cristiano Ronaldo play for Portugal after a row with coach Jesus?
Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portugal national team training camp in Copenhagen after head coach Jorge Jesus announced he would not start in the upcoming match against Denmark. Ronaldo’s departure occurred shortly after a press conference on Wednesday, marking his second consecutive absence from the team in the Nations League.
Jorge Jesus stated that Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the national team if he chooses to, suggesting ongoing communication regarding his status. Portugal’s next matches in the Nations League are scheduled for November 14 and November 17, concluding the league phase for the team.
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the national team if he chooses to do so, stating, “If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team.” Meanwhile, midfielder Bruno Fernandes called for unity among fans and players, emphasising that Ronaldo remains the “greatest symbol” of the national team, as the country prepares for upcoming fixtures against Norway and Wales in November.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether Cristiano Ronaldo will choose to return to the Portugal national team for future fixtures.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future uncertain following dispute with coach Jesus
EXPLAINERSport|FootballWill Cristiano Ronaldo play for Portugal after a row with coach Jesus?
Ronaldo sparked controversy last week when he walked out of the camp after learning that he would not start a game.
Published On 6 Oct 20266 Oct 2026
Published On 6 Oct 20266 Oct 2026The drama surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future took another turn after Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus left the door open for the 41-year-old superstar’s return following his abrupt departure from the national team’s training camp.
The sentiment is shared by the Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca, who believes the episode is a mere misunderstanding that could be resolved internally.
But how did the apparent rift start, and will Ronaldo ever play again for Portugal?
What happened between Ronaldo and Jesus?
Ronaldo left the Portugal squad late on Wednesday, shortly after the head coach’s news conference, where Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would be left out of his starting lineup for the match against Denmark, marking a second consecutive Nations League game absence.
Ronaldo’s decision to walk out came as a shock, as he had been due to train with his teammates at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
Portugal’s leading scorer had already spent the entirety of the 2-1 Nations League win away to Norway on September 27 on the bench, having captained the side in the 1-0 home victory over Wales three days before.
The game in Oslo was the first time since November 2024 that Ronaldo had not featured for Portugal despite not being injured or suspended.
What has Ronaldo said?
Ronaldo appeared to indicate that the reasons behind Jesus’s decision to bench him ran deeper and hinted at a departure from the national team he has graced for more than two decades.
“In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated,” Ronaldo said in a cryptic Instagram post, announcing his sudden exit from the camp.
Spanish sports daily Marca said Jesus and Proenca followed Ronaldo to Copenhagen airport in an attempt to persuade him to stay with the squad, before the player boarded his private jet.
There were reports that Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro had even discussed the issue of Ronaldo’s involvement with the coach on Wednesday.
Jesus insisted that there was no rift between them, although the 72-year-old, who was appointed in July, acknowledged that his captain was disappointed to remain on the bench against Norway.
How did Portugal play without Ronaldo?
Despite his absence, Nations League title holders Portugal won, defeating Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen and Norway 2-1 in Porto. They also became the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals, ensuring a top-two finish in Group A4.
Forward Goncalo Ramos stepped up in Ronaldo’s absence, scoring three goals to be the team’s joint top scorer along with Joao Felix, while the AC Milan player also bagged an assist.
What did Portugal’s coach say about Ronaldo?
On Sunday, coach Jesus said Ronaldo could return to the national team if he chooses to.
“If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team. We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide,” said Jesus, who also coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
“He’s the one who should decide how he wants to end his time with the national team. In my first call-up, I said, ‘I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you’. And now I’m saying the same thing.”
Jesus expects the forward to be available for the next international window if he wants to return.
What have the Portugal players said about Ronaldo?
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes said on Saturday he had spoken to Ronaldo and dismissed suggestions of a rift within Portugal’s squad.
“I had a chat with him and what I said to him is what I’ll repeat here: the most important thing is that, whatever happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football and of the country,” Fernandes told a news conference.
“For what he has achieved not only in Portugal, but all over the world. He has a place reserved not only amongst the all-time greats, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people.”
“The most important thing is that we stop stirring up trouble; there are no divisions within the national team. It is one team and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside.”
Fernandes called for unity after a tumultuous few days in which Portugal fans’ opinions have been split over Ronaldo’s decision.
“We are outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, does not make choices, that it respects all sides, but, at the same time, Cris is and will be the biggest icon of our national team. He deserves everyone’s respect, regardless of who likes him more or [who likes him] less,” Fernandes added.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo applauds fans as he is substituted against Wales [File: Pedro Nunes/Reuters]
When was Ronaldo’s last match for Portugal and how did he perform?
Ronaldo featured just once for Portugal during this year’s Nations League, playing 67 minutes in their 1-0 home win over Wales.
It was a frustrating night for the Al-Nassr forward, who misfired several times. He found the side netting once and shinned an inviting volley high over from close range.
Around the hour mark, Ronaldo slid the ball into the Wales net but, to his evident disbelief, was ruled offside.
He was still shaking his head when Jesus substituted him seven minutes later.
Will he play for Portugal again?
The jury is still out.
Ronaldo, who made his Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18, has said this will “probably” be his final year in football. The forward has been a fixture of the national team for more than two decades and has played at six World Cups.
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker Ronaldo is Portugal’s record scorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 international appearances.
He reached the World Cup semifinals in 2006 and captained his country to glory at Euro 2016. Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated by eventual winners Spain in the last 16 of this year’s World Cup.
When is Portugal’s next match?
Portugal have completed their quota of four Nations League fixtures in this extended international window.
Their upcoming matches are in the next window: a home game with Norway on November 14 and an away match against Wales three days later.
Those matches will wrap up Portugal’s league phase in the Nations League, which they have won twice.
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