French government in crisis talks after ‘colossal failure of the state’ 18. October 2026 (17:10) Ministers, officials and police under pressure over response to days of violent unrest in cities across FranceThe French government was in crisis talks on Sunday after one of the most violent days of unrest in years left public buildings burned, hundreds of shops destroyed and looted, and more than 2000 people arrested in cities across the country.Politicians on the left and right called for the resignation of the interior minister, Laurent Nuñez, after the government appeared to have been caught by surprise by the scale of violence as state buildings were stormed and torched, bus stops smashed, roads barricaded and shops broken into and destroyed. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Scholars conclude ‘beyond doubt’ that Shakespeare was main author of Edward III 18. October 2026 (17:00) Exclusive: Play anonymously published in 1596 was collaboration between Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, according to computer analysisDramatic new evidence concludes that the play Edward III should be added to William Shakespeare’s canon, and also that it was a major collaboration with his contemporary rival Christopher Marlowe.The history was published anonymously in 1596, and it has long been thought that Shakespeare wrote at least a few scenes. However, Dr Rory Loughnane, a leading scholar and co-author of the research, told the Guardian that computerised textual analysis pushed the case “beyond any reasonable doubt” that the Stratford-born playwright was the principal writer. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Six-year-old among two dead after Kansas woman drives through soccer game, with 11 more injured 18. October 2026 (16:58) Wichita police say 34-year-old truck driver from Garden City was taken into custody amid case at youth soccer gameThe two people killed on Saturday when a truck drove through a youth soccer game in north-east Wichita, Kansas, were a six-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man, according to authorities.Eleven other people between the ages of five and 68 were injured in a case whose possible motivations remained unclear early on Sunday, by when it had captured attention across the US. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Manchester City owner’s £55m housing loan while Burnham was mayor investigated 18. October 2026 (16:41) Scrutiny committee looks into financing of Manchester Life project as PM promises ‘full transparency’A £55m loan to Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owner will be investigated as part of a review into a fund for housing projects while Andy Burnham was mayor.The prime minister has faced weeks of scrutiny over his links to Manchester City’s super-rich owners after the club was found guilty of boosting its income by £900m in a nine-year breach of financial rules. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Funeral held for family of four who died in 'arson attack' on their home in Ireland that left two other children remain fighting for their lives
A third of small business owners say they're being forced to work a second job to survive
Villagers fed up with fast drivers knit fake traffic cops and speed cameras to scare them into obeying the limit
Residents of picturesque town left living in shadow of 'monstrous' £35million hospital that 'looks like a giant cigarette bin'
The Yorkshire pudding is crowned Britain's favourite regional dish - but where does your area's local delicacy rank?