UK2.XYZ NEWS

Burnham and Badenoch revive red versus blue politics as Reform land 'gobsmacking' donation

As Reform slip back in the polls, Labour and the Conservatives rediscover a familiar political divide, writes Laura Kuenssberg

Mum stabbed man to death after 'flirtatious' Facebook messages and blamed it on her ex

Kayleigh Smart, who the court heard suffers from schizophrenia, killed Liam Collier inside his own flat in Haydock in May last year after the pair reportedly shared 'flirty' messages

'Red rag to a bull' - Sabalenka's extra motivation to win US Open

Aryna Sabalenka has lost the world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina - but has the chance to take revenge in the US Open final.

This 9/11 widow wasn’t afraid to call out Saudi Arabia for its alleged role in the attacks, and everyone is cheering her on for speaking so bluntly to power

The 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US were marked by remembrance services across the country and around the world. And one speech by a surviving relative of one of the 9/11 victims is cutting through more than most. Terry Strada, the widow of a man who died at the […]

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Grammy-winning US rapper Lil Durk acquitted in murder-for-hire trial

The Chicago rapper was arrested in 2024 and accused of involvement in a shooting that killed the cousin of rival rapper Quando Rondo.

Meghan Markle exposed differences between her and Kate Middleton in one brutal word

King Charles has made Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's position within in the royal family clear in a letter following their return to the UK

'A legacy' at 26 - how Hemp has grown at Man City

Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp has already achieved more than most footballers at the age of 26.

Meghan Markle heading back to US for 'work' just weeks after UK move

Meghan Markle is reportedly jetting off to California in 5 weeks time after the family packed their bags and landed in the UK last month, which sparked more royal drama

Garcia v Benn - welterweight world title fight predictions

Figures from the boxing world give their predictions for Saturday's WBC welterweight world title fight between Ryan Garcia and Briton Conor Benn.

Reform receives record £36m donation from crypto billionaire

Ben Delo's donation, the biggest single sum ever given to a political party in the UK, comes amid scrutiny of Reform's finances.

Signed instead of Rashford, Gordon is proving worth at Barca

Anthony Gordon's £70m move to Barcelona was questioned by some - but the England winger is already proving his worth for the free-scoring Spanish giants.

Battle to save the tiny, gooey snail only found in one lake in the UK

Once prevalent across the UK, this mollusc is now only found in one lake in Wales.

American Shelton to face Zverev in US Open final

Ben Shelton powers past Frances Tiafoe in an all-American US Open semi-final to earn a spot in Sunday's final against number one seed Alexander Zverev.

American Shelton to face Zverev in US Open final

Ben Shelton powers past Frances Tiafoe in an all-American US Open semi-final to earn a spot in Sunday's final against number one seed Alexander Zverev.

Blaze breaks out at London tower block as multiple fire crews dispatched

Dozens of firefighters were dispatched to tackle a fire in a 17th-floor flat in London.

Ukraine faces 'toughest winter' since Russia's full-scale invasion, UN official tells BBC

A senior UN official tells the BBC there is a race against the clock to ensure access to power and water through winter.

Boy, 15, found clinging to capsized boat off Alaska after surviving for days at sea

A 15-year-old boy survived on top of an overturned boat in Alaska's Bering Sea for around two days, having lost his older brother and then his cousin after the skiff capsized.

Eagle holds first talks with Thames Water chiefs amid bailout crisis

Angela Eagle, the new environment secretary, held her first face-to-face talks with Thames Water bosses this week as Britain's biggest water utility and the creditors trying to rescue it seek clarity over Andy Burnham's desire for "greater public control" of the industry.

Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after drone attack launched from Iraq

Iraq removes a military commander and opens investigations into the attack that came from an area bordering Iran.

Woman, 54, gives birth after using embryo frozen for 22 years

A Greek woman has given birth aged 54, beating a government deadline to use one of her embryos, which had been frozen for 22 years.

Largest US outbreak of explosive diarrhoea parasite is over, officials say

More than 12,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, including two deaths, were linked to imported lettuce.

Man arrested over death of black woman found hanging from tree

Police in Mississippi have arrested a man in connection with the death of a black woman found hanging from a tree last month.

Arrest made over the death of black woman found hanged from tree in Mississippi

Tasia Fortune's body was found in the lot of an abandoned home in Mississippi in August.

I never got to experience my baby's scan but blind parents like me can now feel them

New innovations and workarounds are constantly being made to support blind parents in the challenges they face.

PlayStation gambles with 18-rated Wolverine game - will it pay off?

The BBC's Tom Gerken plays the hotly anticipated superhero game from Spider-Man makers Insomniac.

Five minutes to steal a Renoir: Why museum thefts are becoming bolder across Europe

Art crime investigators and security experts say burglaries from galleries across Europe are becoming more brazen.

We've followed their lives for six decades - now the stars of 7 Up are bowing out

70 Up is the final instalment in a series which began in 1964 and has followed the lives of 14 people.

Reform given record £36m donation from crypto billionaire

Reform UK has received a £36m donation from British cryptocurrency billionaire Ben Delo - making it the largest single donation to a UK political party on record.

Is a September heatwave forecast for the UK?

Temperatures will return to summerlike levels over the weekend, despite some heavy rain.

When an avalanche killed climber Nirmal Purja, his friends faced the hardest mission of all

Mountaineer Mingma G tells the BBC about the climb to bring home the bodies of his closest friends.

Masked men, lorries and road blocks: How anti-migrant activists are changing tactics

Patriot Platform wants to build a group of working-class voters to influence political parties on the right.

Museum mocked for removing mummy from display to comply with 'her wishes'

Manchester Museum bosses said they decided to place the remains of Asru in storage because they believe it is what she would have wanted

The RNLI has warned volunteers not to wear its branded clothing because of threats from far right idiots, and it’s a terrifying, depressing sign of the times

It has been a tough week for the brave volunteers and workers of the RNLI. They’ve been subjected to abuse and online threats from far right activists protesting the RNLI’s role in rescuing asylum seekers in trouble at sea. Now, things have gotten so tense that the RNLI has had to issue safety guidance to […]

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Lightning Houthi advance in Yemen may bring dangerous new dimension to Iran war

The capture by the rebels of a stretch of Yemen's strategic coastline is the group's most impressive military coup for several years.

Donald Trump and “Sleepy” Joe Biden both attended 9/11 anniversary events, but only one of them could stay awake, and the side-by-side comparison is brutal

Today’s events to mark the 25th anniversary of the worst domestic terrorist attack in American history were sombre and moving. All the living former presidents attended a ceremony at the former site of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York – including Joe Biden, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. […]

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Autumn flooding washout as El Nino sparks havoc across Britain for months

Supercharged El Nino conditions in the Pacific, which affect weather across the world, will put the UK at greater risk of a wet stormy autumn overall, forecasters say

Americast

Trump made the pledge at the Republicans’ first ever midterm convention.

Sicko salesman encouraged man to drug and sexually abuse sleeping wife

Darren Conway was part of a group which police said saw videos of sexual offending and domestic abuse exchanged between offenders across the country

MPs Vote Against Assisted Dying Bill

MPs vote against the assisted dying bill with 286 votes against and 270 in favour.

Adventure loving Brits book trips earlier than ever - with 3 out of 10 booked up for 2027 already

The findings highlight a growing appetite among Brits for travel and adventure experiences, with one in five (21%) saying they would like to try an adventure holiday

At least 44 people injured after train derails in northern France

A derailed train in northern France left at least 44 people injured, officials said.

Atlantic Ocean has seen no hurricanes so far this season - this is why

Hurricane season has seen an unusually low number of storms forming over the Atlantic - and it's all because of El Nino.

JD Vance complained about being called racist right before saying something that will definitely not help his case

The never-before-needed Republican midterm convention continues to expose the Maga movement for exactly what it is. This is not the victory Republicans think it is. Human charisma vacuum JD Vance made an appearance on the second night. The Vice President made it clear just how nefarious his intentions are for anyone trying to live in […]

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Masked protesters at new Portsmouth demo could be arrested, police say

A 42-year-old man has become the first person to be arrested in connection with anti-migration protests in Portsmouth last weekend, with more arrests expected.

‘What did you think was an American stereotype until you actually visited?’ – 21 ways the USA is exactly like in the movies

In the UK, and the world in general, we are so used to seeing American TV shows and movies that the place can seem almost fictional in our minds. So when we actually visit and find out that the things we thought must be made up are real, it blows our minds a bit. They’ve […]

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Donald Trump was asked why he didn’t give each American that $5k already and his brain basically imploded

Donald Trump, as you’ll probably know, has been raising eyebrows even higher than usual by promising Americans $5k each if the Republicans cling onto power in November’s midterms. That’s north of $1tn dollars but Trumps insists they’ve got the money to do it (bribery accusations aside, obviously). Which got Fox News wondering – if Trump’s […]

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Heathrow Airport passengers 'vomited blood' after tear gas sprayed near Caffe Nero

The incident at Heathrow Airport in December last year saw dozens of passengers left "coughing" and "vomiting blood" as tear gas was sprayed in Terminal 3 near a a Caffè Nero branch

Someone asked about worst thing people had done at a work drinks – 21 proper jaw-droppers

Work culture is a ridiculous thing, isn’t it? Companies claim they want you to feel happy and comfortable in your workplace, but have one too many at a social and suddenly the boss in no longer your best friend and HR come down on you like a ton of bricks. Over on the AskUK subreddit, […]

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Vladimir Putin's cronies threaten to 'wipe UK city off map' in horrific nuclear strike boast

Russian state TV propagandists have chillingly debated using nuclear weapons to wipe out a British city and destroy the UK's Trident submarine base

Donald Trump made his entire audience pledge to cheat in the upcoming midterm elections in case you’re wondering how the cult allegations are going

These truly seem like the end times in the United States. Dictator in Chief, Donald Trump, hosted a second consecutive night of his unprecedented Republican RNC Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas last night. No party has ever been this desperate to maintain hold of Washington, DC heading into midterms. While things continue to trend in […]

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UK placed on flash flood alert as 60mph Atlantic storm smashes Britain

The Met Office warns 60mph Atlantic winds and 50mm of rain could trigger flash flooding across many UK areas this weekend

People shared the most middle aged things they do and this one knocked the rest out of the park

You don’t have to be a reader of a certain age to appreciate this … actually, scrap that, you absolutely 100% do have to be a reader of a certain age to appreciate this. It’s a question that went viral on Twitter after it was posted by @MichaelCGlasper … What's the most middle-aged thing you […]

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This note left at a campsite for a fellow dad was both the ultimate compliment but also just a little bit terrifying

Here’s a ray of light in an increasingly uncertain and let’s face it downright depressing world. It’s a note left for a dad on a campsite by a fellow (camper) and dad which has just gone viral on Reddit and it’s making everyone’s day better. It was posted on Reddit by RCampR6 who said: ‘To […]

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We challenge anyone to find a better mattress advert than this one from 2018

A Purple mattress company advert from 2018, named ‘Don’t Let Your Mattress Steal Your Sleep’ has still got it after all these years. See it for yourself. That’s probably what happened to Goldilocks, too. It turned up again on Twitter/X, in 2024, where Baba had this high praise. This is top tier marketing pic.twitter.com/EOSiJq7bsk — […]

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Man admits to murdering mum-of-seven after disposing of 'decomposed' body in bin

Trevor Dunkley, 66, has admitted to the murder of a mum-of-seven in 1998 after he told police he disposed of her "decomposed" body in a bin nine months following killing her

Top tipster's tasty Championship double to bash the bookies with -Wardy's Wagers

Our man also reckons there is cash to be made in the opening weekend of the NFL season and a crafty bet on Oasis will leave bookmakers crying their heart out

Our 25 Favourite Funny Tweets of the Week

Hello and welcome to this week’s round-up of funny things from Twitter. There are all different types of funny tweet, so you should find something to make you laugh, but if not – at least it’s Friday, right? Let’s dive in. 1. The hardest part of being an art thief must be getting your entire […]

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Donald Trump was asked how he’d stop AI destroying humanity and his terrifying answer was the absolute opposite of reassuring

This week has been full of apocalyptic warnings of the dangers of AI and how, if left entirely unchecked, it might one day soon basically destroy the entirety of humanity, Happy Friday, people! So it was only natural that Donald Trump would be asked what concerns he had about cyber technology and what guards were […]

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UK travel firm collapses as urgent advice issued for customers with holidays booked

Barnes Worldwide Travel Ltd, an independent travel agency in Liverpool, has ceased trading after nearly 20 years in business – here's what ABTA says affected holidaymakers with bookings need to do

Piers Morgan says Harry and Meghan have brutal nickname in US as he blasts 'hypocrisy'

Piers Morgan claimed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a two-word nickname in America as he shared his thoughts on the couple's return to the UK

HSBC got the wrong end of the stick of this customer’s complaint and was mocked into oblivion – 14 funniest replies

Customer service ain’t what it used to be. Chances are these days you’ll always get a prompt response if you remember to complain in the right place. It just won’t necessarily be a human being doing the replying. We say this after this person complained on Twitter about the loss of their cricket ground after […]

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King Charles 'not engaging' with Harry as phone calls stop in row over letter

King Charles has reportedly cut off direct phone contact with Prince Harry following a tense row over a letter clarifying the Sussexes' non-royal status

The creepy trailer for Nathan Fielder’s documentary about fraudster Elizabeth Holmes has become an instant meme – 19 funny examples

In 2003, Elizabeth Holmes founded the medical technology company Theranos, which would go on to claim to have a ground-breaking method of performing blood tests, requiring a much lower volume than traditional ones. Holmes became the youngest self-made billionaire in 2015, thanks to the success of Theranos, but just three years later, the claims began […]

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Prince Harry 'to divide himself away from royals' with new Diana documentary plans

Prince Harry has reportedly been reaching out to friends of his late mother, Princess Diana, in a bid to make a documentary about her for the 30th anniversary of her death next summer

Rory Stewart started doing a German accent while interviewing a German guest and it’s the funniest thing he’s ever done

Rory Stewart has wanted to be many things over the years – Conservative Party leader, Mayor of London, all that sort of thing – but these days is mostly known as a podcaster. And it’s to his podcast that we turn to now as the one-time Tory MP was joined by German journalist Paul Ronzheimer […]

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Major high street chain shutting three stores forever as huge clearance sale starts

A major outdoor retailer is closing three more UK stores this month with clearance sales, as its parent company continues to reduce its high street presence

Donald Trump’s shocking outburst at a woman reporter felt like a properly unfiltered glimpse of what the president is really like

Time once again to turn our attention to Donald Trump – who else? – who’s got a proven track record of berating reporters (especially women reporters) whose questions he doesn’t like. But we’re not sure he’s ever lashed out at one quite like this, a genuinely shocking moment – even for the American president – […]

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Robert Jenrick thinks the crutch-wielding Reformer who struck out at female protesters should get a medal, if you were wondering how the ‘protect our women’ message is doing

Meanwhile, in ‘protect our women’ news, Robert Jenrick’s stated position on the Reform UK conference attendee who lashed out at female protesters with his crutch is that the man deserved a medal. This development broke during a Talk TV interview with presenter Peter Cardwell. Robert Jenrick(Reform MP) doubles down on the pensioner assaulting the protester […]

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Prince Harry's pals 'delivered brutal five-word verdict' after meeting Meghan for first time

Prince Harry's old Eton pals were reportedly left stunned and delivered a blunt verdict on his relationship with Meghan Markle after an awkward Sandringham weekend

Donald Trump Jr criticised ‘enriched elites’, and if ever a call was coming from inside the house … 17 scathing clapbacks

You can tell that Donald Trump is in squeaky bum territory – on many occasions quite literally – because he has created the first Republican Midterms Convention to try and drum up a little more enthusiasm for the party in the coming elections. And to bring in the donations, of course. Grifters gonna grift. The […]

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Dad of A66 teen 'attacked a mourner' at son's funeral over 'comments they made'

Gye Worthy, the father of 17-year-old Cole Worthy who died in the A66 wrong way crash, has been charged with assault and obstructing police at his son's funeral

Prince William's warning to Harry over Meghan Markle and huge fear he know has

Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be "ignoring" the "drama" around Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to the UK

'I was beating adults at chess when I was eight'

Last week 13-year-old Ethan became the youngest Ulster Chess champion in history across all ages.

Brexit bankroller Arron Banks ranted about the lack of ‘white faces’ working at Heathrow, and got the frank condemnation he deserved

Reform UK is in trouble. The right-wing party’s finances are the subject of several police and parliamentary investigations, they have plummeted in the polls, and key Reform figures haven’t exactly been clothing themselves in glory. Zia Yusuf has been supporting Danny Tommo – the leader of the balaclava-clad thugs taking their anti-immigration stance to the […]

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Waitrose issues urgent recall over listeria fears as food poisoning warning issued

The supermarket has issued an urgent recall notice to customers amid fears the common product may pose a bacterial infection risk

Prince William warns nation is getting one major thing wrong as he opens up on 'dreary days'

Prince William warns the nation is making a critical mistake in daily life as he opens up on surviving 'dreary days' in a candid chat with a social media influencer

PE teacher guilty of sex with boy, 16, had previously abused two teen schoolgirls

Disgraced former PE teacher Bronwen James faces prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a schoolboy, having already admitted targeting two teen girls

Harry and Meghan 'happy to be back' in UK as pal reveals couple's true feelings on move

Harry and Meghan have moved back to the UK to focus on settling their children, amidst renewed royal tension over a letter sent by King Charles

Four rushed to hospital after afternoon stabbing terror on busy London high street

Four people have been taken to hospital after an afternoon stabbing on a high street triggered a major emergency response involving London's Air Ambulance.

'He's massive!' Meet Hugo, the world's tallest horse

Hugo the shire horse enters the record books as the world's tallest living horse.

The one thing you need to do to succeed - according to top bosses

What makes someone stand out in a crowded workplace? Six business leaders tell us what they look for.

'Batman mansion' owner hits back in bats row

The owner of Mentmore Towers, which starred in Batman Begins, says a repair scheme is under way.

Star-studded, iconic, Oscar-winning mafia epic

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Al Pacino, Marlon Brando and Diane Keaton

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