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Thames Water should enter permanent public ownership, editorial argues
The Guardian argues that Thames Water should be placed permanently in public ownership after failing customers, polluting rivers and accumulating heavy debt. It says temporary state control must not become another rescue for private investors, and criticises Andy Burnham for considering oversight of private firms instead of nationalisation. Thames Water serves 16 million people and…
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New first-home scheme offers 20 per cent state loans amid price fears
The Government has announced the “Your First Home” scheme to help first-time buyers purchase properties with a 2.5 per cent deposit and an interest-free equity loan worth up to 20 per cent of the home’s value. Ministers say it will support young people unable to rely on family financial help, while critics warn it could…
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Switzerland rejects stricter interpretation of its neutrality
Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to impose a stricter interpretation of the country’s neutrality, with more than 70% voting against it. The initiative would have required UN approval before Switzerland could impose sanctions and blocked closer ties with Nato, reflecting debate over whether neutrality permits action against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The proposal…
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Venezuela releases dozens of political prisoners as election calls grow
Venezuelan authorities have released dozens of political prisoners, according to human rights groups, shortly after interim President Delcy Rodríguez met US President Donald Trump. The releases have renewed opposition demands for free elections and may represent a key concession to Washington, although the government has not confirmed their cause or scale. Among those freed were…
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‘Musk’ Producer, Atwater-Magnific Exec & ‘Gods Don’t Give Gifts’ Director Talk AI: “It’s Important To Get In The Driver’s Seat” – Zurich Summit
Film professionals at the Zurich Summit discussed AI’s growing influence on cinema, stressing that creators and industry leaders must actively shape its ethical and commercial use. Vania Schlogel argued that AI is already affecting society and human empathy, while Nick Shumaker supported its potential but warned that generative systems may exploit copyrighted work without permission.…
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Liverpool end Everton’s Anfield derby run with 2-0 victory
Liverpool beat Everton 2-0 at Anfield to end Everton’s six-match winning run at the ground in the Women’s Super League era. Beata Olsson scored an early header and Cornelia Kapocs added a late second, reflecting Liverpool’s superiority and giving them long-awaited local bragging rights. Everton goalkeeper Ruby Mace made several crucial interventions, including a goal-line…
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Making social care the defining issue of the next general election guarantees Burnham cannot go early
Andy Burnham plans to make reforming social care in England and Wales the central issue of Labour’s next general-election campaign. The article argues that this effectively rules out an early election, as the government needs time to develop and present a detailed, tax-funded plan. Burnham has yet to explain how the reform would be paid…
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Fetterman corrects himself after calling himself a lifelong Republican
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Senator John Fetterman made a verbal slip during a Texas Tribune festival panel discussion, stating he was “a lifelong Republican” when asked about becoming an independent. He immediately corrected himself, saying he meant “lifelong Democrat,” and acknowledged the gaffe would circulate widely online. The incident has reignited scrutiny of his increasingly strained relationship…
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Ween Announce Live Boxset, Boognish Provides, From 1990s Chocolate and Cheese Tour
Ween have announced *Boognish Provides*, a live boxset of previously unreleased recordings from concerts supporting their 1994 album *Chocolate and Cheese*. Released by Rhino Records on 16 October, it highlights the band’s transition from home-recorded duo to a full touring group, with a 24-minute version of “Vallejo” from Athens released as a preview. The 14-CD…
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One Nation leads Labor in Queensland and narrowly in NSW
A quarterly analysis of Newspoll data reports a sharp rise in support for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales. One Nation was the leading choice in both states and nationally, suggesting growing pressure on Labor and the Coalition ahead of upcoming state elections and the 2028 Queensland election. One Nation…