Chancellor John Healey announced a £100 winter payment for households in council tax bands A–D in England, alongside measures to reduce some business costs. He will fund the package partly through higher taxes on banks and income from savings and property, while official forecasts point to weak growth in household disposable income and higher energy costs.
Key Facts
The £100 payment will go to 20 million households in England in council tax bands A–D.
The cost of the payment package is £2.6 billion, including funding for the Scottish and Welsh governments to offer similar support.
The additional levy on bank profits will double to 6% for 15 months.
Tax rates on income from savings and property will rise by 2 percentage points.
The Office for Budget Responsibility said the higher tax on rental income could reduce the supply of rental homes and push rents up.
The government will cancel planned fuel duty increases and extend a VAT cut on electricity prices until next summer.
Businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure will receive a higher business rates relief threshold, rising from £12,000 to £18,000.
The official forecaster cut its outlook for economic growth in 2027 and forecast virtually no growth in household disposable income.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Office for Budget Responsibility says higher energy prices linked to the US-Iran conflict will slow UK growth, keep inflation elevated and reduce household living standards in the near term. It also expects interest rates and government debt costs to rise, while forecasting a later recovery in growth and household income.
Key Facts
The OBR raised its forecast for UK growth this year but cut its forecast for next year from 1.6% to 1%.
The OBR expects inflation to peak at 3.8% in 2027 and average 3.4% next year.
Petrol costs almost £1.73 per litre on average, while diesel costs nearly £1.99, according to the article.
The OBR forecasts a dip in real household disposable income next year, with lower-income households expected to be hit harder.
The OBR says interest rates could rise from 3.75% to as high as 4.5% in the coming years.
Higher borrowing costs are expected to increase government debt-interest spending and borrowing.
The OBR expects inflation to fall toward the Bank of England's 2% target by the end of the decade.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in Florida by private plane on Wednesday after leaving Brazil despite a court order to surrender his passport. He lost Sunday’s runoff election to incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and faces a Brazilian investigation into alleged corruption and money laundering; his defeat is set to end his parliamentary immunity.
Key Facts
Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in Florida on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
He left Brazil in defiance of a court order to surrender his passport.
Bolsonaro lost a runoff election to incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday.
Brazilian authorities are investigating Bolsonaro over alleged corruption and money laundering.
His election defeat is set to end his parliamentary immunity.
The article identifies Kethevane Gorjestani as the reporter explaining how Bolsonaro left Brazil.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Interior Department is developing a plan to close East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., by Nov. 15, Justice Department officials told a federal court. The proposed closure is part of a possible redesign, which is under legal challenge; a judge has barred the government from removing or damaging trees at the course while the case continues.
Key Facts
East Potomac Golf Links has been open since 1920.
President Donald Trump said the course would close Nov. 15 for a redesign and reopen in about 15 months.
The Interior Department is developing a plan to carry out the proposed closure, according to a Justice Department court filing.
Administration officials have said there is no finalized proposal for the course redesign.
A local preservation group and two golfers sued over the potential overhaul.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes barred the government from removing or damaging trees at the site while the litigation continues.
More than 500 trees were cut down at the course over one weekend before the judge issued her order.
The Justice Department has appealed Reyes' decision, and the judge plans to schedule a hearing for Friday or Monday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
US envoy Jeff Bartos read an anti-Castro book during Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez’s address at the United Nations. The incident came a day after US and Cuban delegates had a heated exchange during an annual vote on ending the US-imposed embargo on Cuba.
Key Facts
Jeff Bartos is identified as a US envoy.
Bartos read an anti-Castro book during the event.
The event took place during Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez’s UN address.
US and Cuban delegates had a heated exchange the previous day.
The exchange occurred during an annual vote on ending the US-imposed embargo on Cuba.
The article does not provide further details about the book or the delegates’ exchange.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russell Brand testified at Southwark Crown Court that he had wrongly used his fame to facilitate sex, but denied seven charges of rape and sexual assault involving six women. He said consent was essential and described the case as deeply traumatic; the trial concerns allegations dating from 1999 to 2009.
Key Facts
Brand gave evidence for about four hours on Wednesday.
He denies all seven charges, which involve six women.
The allegations span a 10-year period beginning in 1999.
Brand said he had misused his position and described his past behavior as reckless.
He said consent is essential and can be withdrawn at any time.
Brand said he could not remember some alleged incidents and recalled consensual encounters in others.
He acknowledged using the word “tart” in a phone contact entry for a woman who accuses him of rape.
The article reports that Brand discussed inconsistencies in his recollection during cross-examination.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Gadi Eisenkot, an Israeli opposition leader, is seeking to become Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main challenger in an election cycle marked by growing public dissatisfaction with the government. Eisenkot served in the Israeli military for 41 years and later became its chief of staff; he has criticized Netanyahu over security failures.
Key Facts
Eisenkot is an Israeli opposition leader.
He is seeking to become Netanyahu’s primary opponent in an election cycle.
The article says Israelis are growing dissatisfied with current leadership.
Eisenkot served in the Israeli military for 41 years.
He later served as the country’s military chief.
Eisenkot has criticized Netanyahu over security failures.
He has called Netanyahu an “anti-leader.”
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukrainian Veterans Affairs Minister Vitalii Kim said Ukraine would keep fighting Russia even if European aid is withheld. In an interview in Paris, he described the toll of the war and plans to expand support for veterans as Ukraine faces uncertainty over a €90 billion EU aid package.
Key Facts
Kim said Ukraine would continue to defend itself without European support.
He said civilians in Kherson face bombardment and attacks from short-range drones.
Kim said Russian strikes on energy infrastructure are taking a cumulative toll.
He acknowledged that people are growing tired after prolonged warfare.
The article estimates that about 1.5 million Ukrainian veterans already need support, with the number expected to rise.
Kim said Ukraine plans to simplify veteran services and expand mental healthcare, drawing on French expertise.
The article cited uncertainty about a €90 billion European aid package and speculation about talks involving the Russian and Ukrainian presidents.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A prosecutor told a Cambridge Crown Court jury that Anthony Williams caused widespread fear when he allegedly stabbed passengers and staff on a London-bound LNER train on 1 November 2025. Williams admits several offences, including wounding 12 people, but denies 14 counts of attempted murder; the trial is continuing.
Key Facts
Williams, 33, is accused of trying to murder 10 passengers and staff aboard the train.
The court heard that passengers ran to hide in toilets, storage cabinets and under seats.
Prosecutor Christopher Paxton showed jurors CCTV of passenger Stephen Crean trying to wrestle a knife from Williams.
Train worker Samir Zitouni was stabbed multiple times while trying to stop Williams with a frying pan, the court heard.
Scott Green was stabbed while attempting to take the knife from Williams, according to the prosecution.
The prosecutor said the train driver made an emergency stop in Huntingdon.
The court heard that Williams allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old boy in London and attacked three people in Peterborough before the train incident.
Williams admits offences including wounding 12 people, but denies 14 attempted-murder charges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A YouGov survey commissioned by the Australia Institute found that 42% of Australians viewed the United States as a threat, while half viewed it as a friend. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said social media helps spread political hate and abuse, and described the online climate as especially harsh for women in public life.
Key Facts
Only 4% of young Australians surveyed called the US a close friend, while more than half viewed it as a threat.
Indonesia scored 14 percentage points higher than the US in the survey’s friend category.
Twenty-one percent of respondents said they had confidence in Donald Trump to do the right thing in world affairs.
Chalmers spoke at the Political Book of the Year awards in Canberra.
Chalmers said social media had created a system for mass-producing hate and political abuse.
Chalmers said digital misogyny follows women in public life.
Police charged a 43-year-old man over the alleged attack on MP Helen Haines outside her Wangaratta electorate office; Haines was recovering in hospital.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party accused Arab political parties of trying to steal the election through widespread voter fraud. Preliminary results showed no clear winner, and the allegations appeared in a statement Netanyahu shared on X.
Key Facts
Likud made the allegations on Wednesday.
The party accused Arab political parties of widespread voter fraud.
Likud alleged that the parties used bribery, voter intimidation and forgery.
Netanyahu shared the party’s statement on X.
Preliminary election results showed no clear winner.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The New York Times reported that Mary Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee worked to find and encourage a second candidate named Dan Sullivan to enter Alaska’s Senate race. Peltola’s campaign and the DSCC denied involvement, while Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan’s campaign and President Donald Trump accused Democrats of trying to mislead voters; the second candidate remains on the ballot after a state Supreme Court ruling.
Key Facts
The Senate race pits Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan against Democrat Mary Peltola, a former U.S. representative.
A second candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., is also on the ballot; the incumbent is listed as Dan S. Sullivan.
The New York Times based its report on interviews, documents, and text messages related to the recruitment effort.
Peltola’s campaign said it had no involvement with either Sullivan campaign.
A DSCC spokesperson denied the group’s involvement with Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.
Alaska election authorities sought to disqualify the second Sullivan before the August primary, but the state Supreme Court ruled he could appear on the ballot.
President Donald Trump called the reported effort “election fraud” and urged voters to choose the “real” Dan Sullivan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro fled to the United States after losing Sunday’s election, traveling through Argentina and Ecuador. Brazil’s Supreme Court had ordered him to surrender his passports amid ongoing investigations, but he did not comply; his departure triggered a search for his whereabouts.
Key Facts
Flavio Bolsonaro lost Brazil’s presidential election on Sunday.
Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered Bolsonaro to surrender his passports.
The court’s order came amid concerns he might leave Brazil and investigations involving him.
Bolsonaro did not surrender his passports and left Brazil.
He traveled to the United States via Argentina and Ecuador.
His departure prompted Brazilian authorities to search for him.
Related reports say he arrived in Miami and that the United States granted him a visa.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Greenville police said they have concluded their investigation into actor Hayden Panettiere’s death and ruled it accidental, citing the medical examiner’s determination and investigative findings. A coroner previously said she died from an accidental drug overdose involving fentanyl.
Key Facts
Panettiere, 36, was pronounced dead at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on Aug. 16.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said emergency responders tried advanced cardiac life support measures.
The coroner’s office reported no signs of trauma.
Police said a preliminary investigation had found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
A police report said Brian Hickerson, described in the article as Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, and his brother Zach were at the scene.
The Hickerson brothers called 911, according to the police report.
Authorities, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, investigated the circumstances of her death.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Federal Reserve kept its target interest rate at 3.75%–4%, saying it needs more economic data before deciding whether to change rates again. Chair Kevin Warsh said inflation remains too high, while the U.S. economy remains resilient and signs suggest policy is having an effect.
Key Facts
The Fed held rates steady after raising them for the first time in three years at its September meeting.
Ten of the 12 committee members voted to keep rates unchanged; Lisa Cook and Beth Hammack voted for an increase to 4%–4.25%.
The Fed said it wants more information because inflation remains high and economic conditions are uncertain.
Warsh said the next meeting’s decision will depend on economic data released before then.
The Fed’s next meeting is scheduled for December 8–9.
The federal funds rate influences borrowing costs for items such as mortgages, credit cards, and business loans, as well as returns on savings.
The Fed aims to keep inflation at 2% a year and support a stable job market.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Pentagon estimates that the Iran war has cost U.S. taxpayers $47.1 billion as of Oct. 16. The estimate is $3.5 billion higher than the figure reported in early September, and the war’s cost and effects on energy prices have become issues in the midterm elections.
Key Facts
U.S. Central Command provided the estimate to Congress.
The United States and Israel launched the conflict in late February.
The estimated cost rose from about $43.6 billion in early September.
The estimate was obtained by The Associated Press.
The war’s economic effects include higher energy prices.
Voters will choose which party controls Congress in the midterm elections.
President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of renewed hostilities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel is still counting ballots after a national election with the highest turnout in decades and major gains for Arab parties. Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud had its worst result since 1999, but he may still form a coalition; the final balance will depend on negotiations among parties seeking seats in the 120-member Knesset.
Key Facts
Ballot counting was still underway on October 28, 2026.
The election had the highest turnout in decades, according to the article.
Arab parties made historic gains, and Arab Israeli voters turned out in large numbers.
Netanyahu’s result was his worst since 1999, but he still had a possible path to power.
Eleven parties were expected to make up the next 120-seat Knesset.
Coalition talks were expected to address whether Arab parties could support or join a government.
The article identifies disputes over religion, Israel’s democracy, and Netanyahu’s policies as issues in the coalition negotiations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A collision between two high-speed trains south of Madrid killed at least 68 people and injured more than 100. Spain is demanding answers as the crash raises concerns about rail safety, less than a year after another deadly collision.
Key Facts
At least 68 people died in the collision.
More than 100 people were injured.
Two high-speed trains collided south of Madrid.
The crash is Spain’s deadliest rail disaster in over a decade.
Another deadly rail collision occurred less than a year earlier.
The recent crashes have raised concerns over rail safety.
Spain is demanding answers about the disaster.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A high-speed train collision south of Madrid killed 68 people and injured more than 100 on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Spanish authorities said. The death toll could rise, and the transport minister cited an “error” and circumstances he described as inexplicable.
Key Facts
The collision occurred south of Madrid, Spain.
Authorities reported 68 deaths and more than 100 injuries.
Officials said the death toll could rise.
Spain’s transport minister said an error and unexplained circumstances led to the collision.
The article described this as the second train accident in Spain this year.
The crash was reported on October 28, 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration’s Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) sued Utah to stop the state from enforcing its gambling laws against Kalshi and other CFTC-registered markets. The dispute centers on whether prediction-market event contracts fall under federal regulation and whether that regulation overrides state gambling laws.
Key Facts
Utah’s lawsuit against Kalshi seeks to bar the company from offering contracts on sports, elections, politics, and other events.
Utah prohibits gambling under state law and its constitution.
The CFTC says Utah’s enforcement efforts conflict with Congress’s decision to give the agency federal authority over regulated markets.
Utah previously won a federal court case against Kalshi; the judge ruled that federal law did not prevent Utah from enforcing its anti-gambling laws.
The CFTC filed its Utah lawsuit in the same federal district court that ruled for Utah in the earlier case.
Utah is the 10th state sued by the CFTC over state efforts to restrict prediction markets.
The CFTC has also sued Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
The legal dispute includes whether prediction-market event contracts qualify as swaps under the Commodity Exchange Act.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
