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Houses can be built on floodplains despite failing safety test, says high court
The High Court has ruled that 190 homes can be built on a north Somerset floodplain despite the development failing a key planning safety test. The decision has alarmed residents, councils, ministers and flood experts, who fear it could create a national precedent enabling similar developments across England and Wales. The site is in flood…
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College football week 4 contenders, pretenders: Texas survives, Michigan’s karma and coaches are sweating
College football’s fourth week produced major upsets and intensified pressure on several coaches. Texas survived Tennessee, Oregon revived its season by beating USC, while Georgia, Florida and Alabama delivered emphatic wins that exposed serious problems for Oklahoma, Ole Miss and South Carolina. Texas won despite Arch Manning throwing no touchdown passes, with the defence recording…
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Cameroonian landlord accused of tenant exploitation left UK after arrest
Cameroonian national Ndumbe Achile Ndumbe, 41, is accused of exploiting vulnerable tenants by overcrowding rented properties, charging high rents and monitoring residents with cameras. He was arrested on suspicion of rape in July 2024, but was released on bail and later reportedly left the UK, prompting questions about policing, border controls and access to justice.…
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Legendary agent warns NFL teams about making key quarterback mistake that could derail season
Sports agent Leigh Steinberg has warned NFL teams that failing to maintain several quarterback options could seriously damage their seasons, amid a series of early injuries. He said teams should ideally retain three quarterbacks because the position is especially vulnerable and losing both the starter and primary backup can leave a side exposed. Five starting…
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Burnham urged to heed Blair’s warnings on Britain’s changing global role
Tom Baldwin argues that Andy Burnham, despite distancing himself from New Labour, should consider Tony Blair’s warnings about Britain’s changing international circumstances. Burnham has emphasised domestic concerns and rejected renewed debate about rejoining the EU, but the article suggests this inward-looking approach may be inadequate amid geopolitical conflict, economic pressures and rapid technological change. Blair’s…
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Burnham’s cost-of-living plans face rising energy bills and inflation
Andy Burnham’s promised “stability” and relief from rising living costs face a worsening economic backdrop. Prolonged conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran could keep oil and gas prices high, pushing up UK energy bills, inflation and borrowing costs while limiting the government’s ability to provide further support. Ofgem could raise the energy price cap…
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US communities push back against Silicon Valley’s datacentre expansion plans
Silicon Valley’s ambitious AI project is facing an unexpected democratic backlash, as communities across the US resist new datacentres and question the technology’s wider social value. The opposition reflects more than local objections to construction: it signals growing public distrust of powerful technology companies pursuing transformative plans without meaningful public consent. Moratoria and bans are…
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New Queensland constable chased alleged attacker after suffering neck stab wounds
A newly graduated Queensland Police constable allegedly stabbed twice in the neck during a domestic disturbance chased the suspect and deployed his Taser despite severe blood loss. Police union officials hailed his actions as courageous, while authorities said the incident highlighted the risks officers face when responding to volatile situations. The incident occurred near dawn…
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John Turturro on Joining the Oscar Race — and ‘Severance’ Season 3
John Turturro is receiving awards attention for his leading role in *The Only Living Pickpocket in New York*, but he says recognition is secondary to supporting a film he believes in. At a Zurich Film Festival masterclass, he discussed the film’s critical response, his long career and how life experience has helped him develop as…