launch

BRITISH Airways passengers will soon be able to stay connected mid-flight without having to pay a penny.

The airline has confirmed that they will be rolling out Starlink WiFi on all of their planes next year.

Not only will it be available in all cabins, but it will be completely free for all passengers.

The high speed network means passengers will be able to stream video onboard without any lag.

This also includes over remote regions and oceans, a common area where WiFi can often cut out.

BA boss Sean Doyle, British Airways said “Launching Starlink on both our long-haul and short-haul aircraft is game-changing for us and our customers, elevating their experience on board our flights by offering them seamless connectivity from gate-to-gate.

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“Especially on short-haul, this will really differentiate us from our competitors.”

The rollout is part of British Airways’ massive £7billion expansion.

This includes new airport lounges in both Dubai and Miami, with the Sun’s Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding trying out the latter.

Another 15 airport lounges are being upgraded, with 17 new short-haul aircrafts being introduced.

British Airways is also rolling out a new First Class Suite, with its biggest bed yet as well as 32inch screens.

A new app is also being rolled out next year.

Mr Doyle said at the time the app would be similar to an Amazon when it comes to easily being able to book flights.

He explained: “The website’s been around for 22 years. We were leaders in it many years ago and we’d improved it down through the years.

“But we’ve been falling behind and we need to catch up and leapfrog the rest.”

Other inflight upgrades include larger overhead lockers – where suitcases lie on their side rather than flat – and upgraded seats made from Scottish leather.

But British Airways isn’t the first airline to roll out Starlink onboard.

Back in March, United Airlines confirmed that they would be adding the free WiFi service to more than 40 aircraft.

And Qatar Airways confirmed that all passengers will be able to use free Starlink onboard – even FaceTiming a flight attendant to show how fast it will be

VIRGIN will soon be flying to a Thai destination for the first time ever.

From October 18, 2026, Virgin Atlantic will launch flights to Phuket in Thailand three times a week.

The flight will be the only direct service between London Heathrow and Thailand‘s largest island.

The flights will operate seasonally in the winter, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from London Heathrow and Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays from Phuket.

Tickets for the flights will go on sale on November 26.

The aircraft used will be a Boeing 787-9 and onboard passengers will get complimentary food and drink, entertainment including movies and TV series and WiFi available for purchase.

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There will be 31 Upper Class seats, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy.

If you can’t wait until November 26 to book flights, then package holidays will be available to book from today, with prices starting from £999 per person.

For example, you could spend seven nights at the four-star Sugar Marina Hotel Fashion – Kata Beach in a deluxe double room on a bed and breakfast basis, with return economy flights from Heathrow for £999 per person.

If you fancied something a little more luxurious, then you could stay at the five-star The Sands Khao Lak by Katatthani in a ‘Sands’ double room on an all inclusive basis for £1,599 per person.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers more than 230 accommodation options in Phuket, and over 80 throughout Thailand.

In addition, through the airline’s partnership with Bangkok Airways, travellers can head to a number of other destinations such as Koh Samui.

Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer for Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce our new direct service to Phuket, giving our customers a flavour of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations.

“As well as making the trip more convenient, they can enjoy exploring Thailand’s unique heritage, natural beauty and delicious cuisine.

“We can’t wait for our customers to experience our trademark hospitality on their next unforgettable journey.”

In 2024,  Bounce – a luggage storage company – announced that Phuket was the world’s most popular island holiday destination.

Phuket is known for having stunning beaches and a rich food scene.

For example, there is Patong Beach which is known for having a vibrant nightlife.

For families, Karon and Kata Beaches are then popular spots, with white sand and crystal clear waters.

Cultural attractions include the Big Buddha perched at the top of Nakkerd Hill – it is 45 metres tall and at the site, visitors can get 360-degree panoramic views of the landscape.

Phuket’s old town is also a famous spot to explore, with lots of history and pretty architecture.

For Phuket, island hopping is great day out as well, with the famous Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) nearby.

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is then home to the island’s only remaining evergreen rainforest.

There are numerous walking trails through the rainforest, and on some, hikers can see waterfalls such as Bang Pae Waterfall.

Phuket benefits from warm temperatures year round, with the lowest temperature being around 25C and the highest 35C.

September is the wettest month to visit and February is the driest, with around two days of rainfall.

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In other news about Thailand, strict rules are in place for Brits across the next two months.

Plus, from kayaking and hiking to cooking classes and zip-lining – the Thai city that is top place to visit.

ONE low-cost airline that flies from the UK will be testing out a new seating option – to block the middle seat.

Passengers willing to pay a little more for the perk will no longer have to squeeze next to someone on the aircraft.

Wizz Air is launching middle seat free options from December 2025 as part of a test.

Essentially the airline is targeting ‘low-cost’ business travellers who want extra space to work on a flight but don’t want to pay such a high premium.

The new system will allow travellers to ‘block’ the middle seat next to them from being booked.

The new initiative is called ‘Wizz Class’ and was unveiled by the airline at a media event on October 28.

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Unlike other airlines which have cabins dedicated to business class, there won’t be any reconfiguration for Wizz Class.

In fact, Wizz Class is likely only to be possible in the first front row of seats that has extra legroom.

The announcement also suggested that no other perks, like lounge access or meals, would be included.

Michael Delehant, Senior Chief Commercial and Operations Officer explained that the move comes off the back of requests from front-row passengers.

And the new idea has landed well with some customers, one person said: “Love it. Blocked middle seat is something that makes flying economy bearable. But this should extend to more than just the first row.”

Another added: “Blocking seats in the first row is nice. It compensates for the lack of storage space in front of the seating. It also gives you the opportunity to be first off on landing. I would pay extra for that.”

Wizz Class won’t be available on all flights, but will be rolled out on certain journeys from its hubs in Bucharest, Budapest, London, Rome, and Warsaw.

Another product Wizz Air is testing is lightweight onboard connectivity solutions called ‘Wizz Play’.

This is to appease the business traveller, but also other passengers as it hopes to provide a service so customers can use online messaging and streaming.

The airline is also launching a third wave of its ‘All You Can Fly‘ membership.

It’s making space for another 10,000 memberships across 34 countries.

The cost for signing up is €499 (£439.31) but the membership includes unlimited flights for 12 months across 950 routes and 53 countries.

Although there is a €9.99 (£8.80) booking fee each time.

It’s a popular scheme with frequent passengers saving hundreds on flights.

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Here’s more on Wizz Air’s newly relaunched ‘All You Can Fly’ membership.

Plus, more on flights as Wizz Air launches new flight routes from UK to 5 top Spanish destinations.

Oct. 29 (UPI) — SpaceX is set to launch Wednesday more than two dozen Starlink satellites in Elon Musk’s bid to expand global Internet access.

About 29 additional Starlink satellites devices will liftoff around 12:16 p.m. EDT on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket into low-Earth orbit via Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Space Launch Complex 40.

A live-streamed broadcast of Starlink 10-37 mission will begin minutes prior to the scheduled launch.

It will be the 15th flight for the Falcon 9 stage booster transporting the company’s scores of Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites.

Satellites are expected to be deployed roughly an hour into the SpaceX mission.

Meanwhile, the first stage booster will land following separation on Just Read the Instructions — a droneship which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

It will follow Sunday’s liftoff by SpaceX which sent 28 Starlink devices into low orbit above Earth.

Palestinians in Gaza have experienced the deadliest 24 hours since the start of the United States-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect almost three weeks ago.

Israel killed more than 100 people, including 46 children, in attacks late on Tuesday and on Wednesday. Medical sources told Al Jazeera the strikes hit all over Gaza.

This adds to dozens of previous ceasefire violations with a rocky outlook ahead. Let’s take a look at where things stand:

What’s the latest?

The Israeli military said by noon on Wednesday that it was returning to the ceasefire in line with instructions from the political leadership but remained ready to attack again if necessary.

It said it hit more than 30 targets in the besieged enclave, claiming that the targets were “terrorists in command positions within terror organisations”.

But as more residential buildings were flattened by the Israeli bombs, at least 18 members of the same family in central Gaza, including children, parents and grandparents, were among the victims.

Civil Defence teams once again had to use small tools and their hands to dig in the rubble of bombed areas to search for survivors and the dead. Several tents belonging to displaced Palestinian families were also targeted.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 68,643 people have been killed and 170,655 wounded since the start of Israel’s genocidal war in October 2023.

What was Israel’s justification?

On Tuesday, Israel announced that the body of a captive transferred from Gaza by Hamas through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) did not match one of the 13 to be handed over as part of the ceasefire.

Israeli forensic analysts determined that the remains belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, who was taken to Gaza during the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and whose partial remains were recovered in November of the same year.

Israeli officials reacted furiously, especially far-right ministers in the coalition government who are against stopping the war on Gaza and want Hamas “destroyed”. An organisation run by the families of the captives also expressed outrage and demanded action.

A short time later, the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, said it would hand over the remains of an Israeli captive at 8pm (18:00 GMT), but it held off after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered “powerful strikes” on Gaza.

Heavy gunfire and explosions were also heard in the southern city of Rafah. Israel alleged this was an attack by Hamas fighters, something Hamas rejected.

Israel also accused the Palestinian group of “staging” the recovery of a captive’s remains after showing footage purportedly of Hamas fighters burying a body before calling in the ICRC.

The ICRC said its personnel “were not aware that a deceased person had been placed there prior to their arrival”.

What’s in the ceasefire?

As part of the agreement, which entered into force on October 10, Hamas handed over all remaining 20 living captives held in Gaza within several days.

The group has also handed over the remains of 15 deceased Israeli captives as part of the deal with 13 others remaining unrecovered or undelivered.

Israel has allowed some humanitarian aid into Gaza, but supplies have been well below the 600 trucks a day specified in the ceasefire, a level that is required to help the famine-stricken population.

Israel has also prevented tents and mobile homes from entering the enclave but has let some heavy machinery enter to search for the remains of its captives.

After all the remains are handed over, a second phase of the ceasefire could potentially enter into force, allowing the deployment of an international stabilisation force and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed that they will not allow the formation of a sovereign Palestinian state and have been advancing with a plan to illegally annex the occupied West Bank despite international criticism.

What is Hamas saying?

Hamas has accused Israel of fabricating “false pretexts” to renew aggression in Gaza.

Before the attacks over the past day, Hamas  said Israel had carried out at least 125 violations.

Since October 10, the Health Ministry in Gaza said, at least 211 Palestinians have been killed and 597 wounded in Israeli attacks while 482 bodies have been recovered.

Hamas has also accused Israel of obstructing efforts to recover the bodies of the captives while using the same bodies as an excuse to claim noncompliance.

It pointed out that Israel has prevented enough heavy machinery from entering Gaza to recover the remains and has prevented search teams from accessing key areas.

The Qassam Brigades said its fighters have recovered the bodies of two more deceased captives, Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch, during search operations conducted on Tuesday.

Hamas and other Palestinian factions have said they are prepared to hand over administration of Gaza to a technocratic Palestinian body while maintaining that armed resistance is a result of decades-long occupation and apartheid by Israel.

What does this mean for Gaza’s civilians?

Since the start of the war, civilians have been the main casualties of Israel’s war on Gaza.

They have been disproportionately targeted, as they were in the latest overnight attacks, and have also seen Gaza’s infrastructure and means of living destroyed by bombs and invading Israeli forces.

Because nowhere in Gaza is fully safe, Palestinians underwent another day of panic that the Israeli attacks could be extended.

Israeli warplanes and reconnaissance aircraft continued to hover over the enclave.

What happens now?

The US has repeatedly expressed support for Israel despite its ceasefire violations, emphasising Israel’s right to defend itself.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the ceasefire “is not in jeopardy” despite the strikes.

Mediator Qatar has previously condemned violations of the agreement and accused Israel of undermining its implementation. But along with Egypt, it has worked to ensure the deal stays alive.

THE Eurostar is getting a major upgrade with up to 50 new double-decker trains.

Eurostar has revealed a €2billion (£1.7billion) investment in double-decker trains that would become the first ever to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK network.

So far, the operator has confirmed it will have 30 double-decker trains, but could add a further 20 in the future.

The new fleet, built by the Alstom Group, will be called Eurostar Celestia.

The trains will each measure 200 metres long, and will be used across the five countries Eurostar currently operates in – the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

They are also set to be used for new destinations such as Geneva in Switzerland and Frankfurt in Germany.

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On board each train, there will be around 540 seats – a 20 per cent increase compared to the number of seats on the Eurostar’s current trains.

Though if running in a 400 metre formation, as trains do currently through the Channel Tunnel, then there will be around 1,080 seats per service.

According to the operator, Eurostar Celestia will also have a “bespoke design to capture the unique, premium experience Eurostar customers expect”.

The name of the new fleet was decided by Eurostar staff and is derived from the Latin word ‘caelestis’, which means ‘heavenly’.

“It evokes the stars and the essence of travel, perfectly capturing the spirit of a company that links a constellation of cities across Europe,” Eurostar added.

The decision follows Eurostar’s aim of handling 30million passengers each year in the future.

The first trains are expected to join Eurostar’s fleet in January 2031, with services launching in May 2031.

The operator plans to launch six trains initially, which will run alongside Eurostar’s current fleet of 17 e320s.

In total, the fleet will grow to 67 trains – 30 per cent more than runs today.

The entire fleet would also be maintained at the Temple Mills depot in London, which would undergo an €80million (£69.6million) redevelopment to create space for the new trains.

In addition, 350 new jobs would be created at the depot.

The trains will be an all-electric fleet too, making them more sustainable.

Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO, Eurostar said: “We’re particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the very first time.

“Customers can expect a very special new train with Eurostar Celestia, which will offer exceptional comfort, a unique Eurostar experience and new surprises to be revealed.

“This is a golden age for international sustainable travel – and Eurostar is leading the race.”

Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom, said: “This new-generation train, designed to meet the demands of international very high-speed traffic, embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility.”

The announcement comes as the Office of Rail and Road is set to meet on October 31 to make a decision on whether space should be created for a competitor operator at Temple Mills, such as Virgin or Gemini.

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Recently, Virgin also announced that if it were to get approval to run cross-channel services, it would launch routes from two huge cities in the north.

And in other train news, the UK capital is set to welcome new £700million train line linking west and north of the city.

MELANIE C lives up to her Sporty Spice nickname as she poses in a series of workout snaps.

The toned Spice Girl, 51, wore a leotard and red boots to help launch her new music.

Speaking of her dance single Sweat, she wrote: “I’m so happy this track is finally all yours. Dance to it. Run to it. Lift to it. SWEAT to it.”

Mel, real name Chisholm, has a gig lined up next year at London’s O2 Academy Brixton.

Mel C issued a sweet message to her Spice Girls bandmate Mel B after she missed her lavish London wedding in July

The popstar was absent from Mel’s happy day at St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday, which saw Emma Bunton, 49, the sole other girl group member in attendance.

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New bride Mel, 50, sealed her wedding to groom Rory McPhee with a kiss outside the architectural landmark.

The Wannabe singer stunned in a gown adorned with dazzling pearl detail around the collar and sleeves and a long flowing veil as she stepped out of the iconic venue.

She uploaded a snap showing the happy couple together with the words: “So so happy for you both and beyond gutted I couldn’t be there.

“Excited to celebrate with you really soon. Yipee!”

In her next slide, Mel showcased a snap of her performing in Stockholm, Sweden.

She added the words: “Bit of a soggy one last night.”

About a year ago, Nvidia (NVDA 0.86%) was facing one of its biggest moments ever. The artificial intelligence (AI) chip giant was launching its new Blackwell architecture, a system that was being met with “insane” demand as CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC at the time. The company announced Blackwell in March 2024 and the fourth quarter of the year was the first to include Blackwell revenue.

Blackwell was to be the first release of a new routine for Nvidia: launching chip or entire platform updates on an annual basis. Since that time, this new architecture has helped Nvidia’s earnings roar higher, with Blackwell data center revenue climbing 17% in the most recent quarter from the previous one. In the report, Huang said, “The AI race is on, and Blackwell is the platform at its center.” Meanwhile, Nvidia stock has reflected all of this, advancing 40% so far this year.

Now, it’s logical to wonder where Nvidia will be as this story progresses, for example, 24 months after the Blackwell launch. Here’s what history says.

Image source: Nvidia.

Nvidia’s path in AI

First, though, let’s consider Nvidia’s path in the AI market so far. The company has always been a graphics processing unit (GPU) powerhouse, but in its earlier days, it mainly sold these high-performance chips to the gaming market. As it became clear that their uses could be much broader, Nvidia developed the CUDA parallel computing platform to make that happen — and then, as the potential of AI emerged, Nvidia didn’t hesitate to put its focus on this exciting market.

That proved to be a fantastic move as it helped Nvidia secure the top spot in the AI chip market — and the quality and speed of its GPUs has kept it there. All of this has resulted in several quarters of double- and triple-digit revenue growth as well as high profitability on sales — gross margin has generally surpassed 70% in recent times.

To keep this leadership going, Nvidia committed to ongoing innovation, with the promise of updating its chips once a year. The company kicked this off with the launch of Blackwell about a year ago, then released update Blackwell Ultra a few months ago. Next up on the agenda is the Vera Rubin system, set for release late next year.

From platform to platform

All of these platforms operate together seamlessly, so customers don’t have to wait for a specific one and instead can get in on Nvidia’s current system and easily move forward with the latest innovations when needed. Still, as mentioned earlier, demand from big tech customers for the latest systems has been great — they want to win in the AI race and to do so aim to get their hands on the best tools as soon as possible.

So, where will Nvidia be 24 months after the Blackwell launch? The clues so far suggest revenue will continue to climb in the double-digits — and Wall Street’s average estimates call for a 33% increase in revenue next year from this year’s levels. And as Rubin is released, demand is likely to increase for that system as customers’ interest in gaining access to the latest AI technology continues.

But what about Nvidia’s stock price? History offers some clues. Prior to this time, Nvidia’s major recent releases happened every two years. We can look back to the launch of the Ampere platform on May 14, 2020, and the release of Hopper on Sept. 20, 2022. And each time, over the next 24 months, Nvidia stock soared in the triple digits. It climbed 120% in the two years following the Ampere release and more than 700% following the release of Hopper.

NVDA data by YCharts

What history says

History shows Nvidia stock is on track for a triple-digit gain two years after the Blackwell launch. If we use the starting point as the first quarter of Blackwell revenue — this quarter ended on Jan. 26, 2025 — we can see the stock has climbed about 30% so far. But Nvidia still has plenty of time to post more Blackwell sales and potentially see its shares advance in the triple-digits from their level earlier this year through the first month of the 2027 calendar year.

To illustrate, a 100% gain from early 2025 levels would bring the stock price to $284, and that would result in $6.9 trillion in market cap by the start of 2027. This fits into a scenario I wrote about recently, predicting Nvidia will reach $10 trillion in market value by the end of the decade.

Of course, it’s impossible to guarantee this outcome — any negative geopolitical or economic news, or even an unexpected problem like a decline in tech spending could hurt Nvidia’s revenue and stock performance. But, if these potential risks don’t materialize, history could be right — and Nvidia stock may find itself significantly higher 24 months after the Blackwell launch.

Oct. 16 (UPI) — U.S.-based driverless taxi pioneer Waymo tested its new Jaguar-brand taxis in the Bronx on Thursday and plans to deploy them in London during the upcoming year.

London would become the first European city to OK autonomous taxi services, which already are available in the U.S. cities of San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Phoenix, according to AutoTrade.ie.

Mountain View, Calif.-headquartered Waymo is partnering with Amsterdam-based Moove to expand its autonomous taxi service to London in the spring.

Moove officials are negotiating related licensing and other matters with London officials and would serve as Waymo’s fleet operations partner, engadget reported.

Moove already operates a mobility business in London and has the experience and knowledge needed to enable Waymo to successfully expand its services to England’s capital city.

“We’re excited by a future where Waymo’s safe and reliable autonomous technology is available in London,” Ladi Delano, Moove co-chief executive officer, said Wednesday in a news release.

“This partnership represents a major step forward for urban mobility, bringing world-class innovation to one of the world’s greatest cities,” Delano added.

Waymo has partnered with Bronx Community College and The City College of New York’s University Transportation Research Center to develop and improve a training curriculum for autonomous vehicles.

“This AV training curriculum bridges cutting-edge technology with practical workforce development [while] addressing real-world challenges in our communities,” UTRC Director Camille Kamga said.

Waymo Vice President of Engineering Satish Jeyachandran said the partnership with Bronx Community College and the UTRC will prepare students for new career opportunities in the growing autonomous vehicle industry.

The partnership also enables the development and deployment of safety-oriented autonomous vehicles in NewYork City and elsewhere, New York State Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia said.

“Retraining for-hire and taxi drivers and welcoming new talent into the workforce will ensure a smooth transition that creates new career opportunities,” Tapia added.

The collaborative program will be housed at the community college’s Patterson Garage, where a $9 million upgrade recently was completed with funding from the New York governor’s office.

Crusaders and Derry City will join forces to commence legal proceedings over their omission from Stage Two of the Northern Ireland Football Fund.

In September, the Department of Communities announced 20 clubs from across Northern Ireland would progress to the next round of the process with three different tiers of funding available.

Of the 41 clubs eligible to apply, 38 submitted bids, leaving those who missed out bitterly disappointed.

Both Crusaders and Derry City were two to miss out and having considered the decision, jointly confirmed on Wednesday evening they will now lodge legal proceedings against the decision to omit them.

In a statement, Crusaders said: “Following an extra-ordinary general meeting of Crusaders Football Club members on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, Crusaders FC have determined to join Derry City FC to commence legal proceedings to challenge the exclusion of both clubs from Stage 2 of the Northern Ireland Football Fund.”

The League of Ireland club expressed similar sentiments.

“Derry City FC have made the decision to join with Crusaders FC to commence legal proceedings to challenge the exclusion of both clubs from Stage 2 of the Northern Ireland Football Fund process,” they said in a statement.

“We believe we were left with no other option.”

The Stormont Executive has set £36.2m aside, but Communities Minister Gordon Lyons estimated the departmental cost of the 20 projects would come to “just over £82m”, while the “estimated total project costs” are £98m.

The big winners were NIFL Premiership clubs Glentoran and Cliftonville who progressed in the third and most expensive tier of over £6m.

The middle bracket of applications between £1.5m to £6m saw 13 successful applications, while five of of less than £1.5m also progressed.

WASHINGTON — Two House Republicans launched an investigation on Wednesday that will, in part, examine how a California charitable organization used a $500,000 grant that was meant to support victims of the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires, a move that is expanding congressional scrutiny over the response to the disaster.

Reps. Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) sent a letter to the head of the California Volunteers Fund asking for financial records related to a $500,000 grant it received from the disaster-relief charity FireAid, which raised an estimated $100 million for fire victims through its flagship benefit concerts in January.

“It is not publicly known how the California Volunteers Fund distributed this $500,000, or what individuals or entities received funds,” Kiley and Jordan wrote in a letter Wednesday to Dave Smith, the fund’s chief executive. “It is also unclear whether the state-based California Volunteers, run out of the Governor’s Office, received any of the FireAid-originated funds via the California Volunteers Fund.”

Kiley and Jordan added that they want to examine all documents and communications related to the California fires between the California Volunteers Fund and California Volunteers, an entity that the charity supports and is housed within Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.

In their letter, they said FireAid has “come under scrutiny for diverting donations to nonprofits instead of providing direct relief to fire victims.”

The California Volunteers Fund and the governor’s office did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

The congressional inquiry into the distribution of disaster relief funds comes after months of pressure from Republican politicians, including President Trump, who have questioned FireAid’s methods and priorities. In July, Kiley called for an investigation into the charitable funds, urging the attorney general to open an investigation into the matter.

Politically, the investigation comes as Newsom — whose office was mentioned several times in the letter — becomes a frequent political target of Trump and Republicans amid speculation that he could be eyeing a potential 2028 presidential run.

In response to the criticism, FireAid commissioned two audit reports, including an independent review led by law firm Latham & Watkins that found no evidence of fraud or misuse of funds. The reports were sent to local and federal officials and the Department of Justice.

“The law firm conducted an independent review of the charity, and shared conclusive findings affirming that FireAid has acted in accordance with mission, has strong accountability measures and aid is reaching affected communities,” the FireAid organization said in a statement about the review findings at the time.

A TEENAGE girl, 17, was reportedly raped by a stranger in broad daylight as cops launch a manhunt.

The alleged attack unfolded in the village of Hassocks, in West Sussex, between 6pm and 7.30pm on Thursday.

The victim claimed to be approached in Keymer Road, near the junctions with Parklands Road and Grand Avenue.

Detective Inspector Debbie Birch, leading the investigation, said: “We are supporting the victim as we actively carry out detailed enquiries, which include CCTV and house to house enquiries.”

DI Birch added: “We have increased our police presence in the village while we investigate, and we are carrying out additional high visibility patrols for reassurance.

“Anyone who has any concerns is urged to stop and talk to officers.

“If you were in the area and noticed anything suspicious or have information that may assist us, we ask you to contact police or on 101, and quote Operation Insight.

“We will provide updates about the investigation when possible.”

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COPS have launched a hate crime investigation after reports of a suspected arson attack at a mosque.

CCTV footage shows two men with face coverings pull up to the Peacehaven Community Mosque, in East Sussex, on Saturday night.

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The video appears to reveal one yob, wearing a black jacket, walking up the front steps holding a green container.

He appears to douse the entrance steps with an accelerant before they go up in flames.

Within seconds the car has also turned into a fire ball.

A man who was inside the mosque runs out in terror, seeking safety.

It is not known how many people were in the building when the inferno was sparked.

Fire crews were called out to the chaotic scene and a large police presence remains in the area.

Footage from the scene shows a burnt-out vehicle being dampened by firemen.

A member of the Mosque told The Sun Online: “There was an attack on the mosque, a few individuals came with balaclavas on and blew up a vehicle outside the mosque and set the front a light.”

“It was a targeted attack,” he claimed.

“There’s a large police presence here now.”

Sussex Police Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said: “This is a fast-moving investigation, and we are urging anyone with relevant information to report it to us.

“This includes anyone with CCTV, ring doorbell, dashcam, and mobile phone footage in the area at the time.

“We understand the concerns this has caused within the community, and the impact that will be felt by the Muslim community as a result.

“There is already an increased police presence at the scene and there are also additional patrols taking place to provide reassurance at other places of worship across the county.

“Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and there is no place for hate across the county.

“If you have concerns for your safety or experience any hate or criminal behaviour, please speak to an officer or contact us online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”

Anyone with information about the arson can report it to Sussex Police online or on 101, quoting Operation Spey.

Alternatively contact CrimeStoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

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British Airways claims to serve more American cities than any other UK airline, with St. Louis set to become its 27th

British Airways is poised to grow its transatlantic network by launching new direct flights from London to the United States in 2026. The new flight route will connect London Heathrow to St. Louis, a prominent city in Missouri at the heart of the Midwest.

Famous for its iconic Gateway Arch and vibrant neighbourhoods, the UK airline believes St. Louis has something for every visitor. Its flights to the city are scheduled to begin on April 19, 2026 and will operate four times a week throughout the summer.

In light of the announcement, Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “St. Louis is a fantastic addition to our US network – it’s a destination in itself as a city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, as well as a gateway to exciting destinations beyond this.

“As the only direct route from the UK, this service will open up exciting new opportunities for our customers and further strengthen ties between the UK and the US Midwest.”

British Airways claims to serve more American cities than any other UK airline, with St. Louis set to become its 27th. The launch will also make British Airways the only UK airline operating direct flights to St. Louis.

The St. Louis launch coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the famous highway that begins in Chicago, passes through St. Louis, and continues to Los Angeles.

A British Airways release about the launch adds: “The city’s stretch of the ‘Mother Road’ is packed with Americana charm, from vintage diners and neon signs to historic motels and roadside attractions, offering the perfect starting point for travellers seeking a classic US road trip experience.

“Beyond its Route 66 heritage, St. Louis is home to Forest Park – one of the largest urban parks in the US –, a range of free museums and a thriving craft beer scene, making it an ideal destination for both short breaks and longer adventures.

“The city also boasts a proud sporting legacy, with teams including the St. Louis Cardinals (Major League Baseball), Blues (National Hockey League) and City Soccer Club (Major League Soccer), earning the title of ‘Ultimate Sports City’ by ESPN The Magazine.”

Customers travelling to St. Louis can choose from three cabin options: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class). Return fares begin at £529 from October 1.

Passengers travelling in Club World may also enjoy the airline’s newest business class seat, the Club Suite, on selected flights. This offers a private space with direct aisle access, a fully flat bed, and a ’17-inch high-resolution entertainment screen’. Such travellers can indulge in a brasserie-style dining experience, with a selection of freshly prepared starters, mains, desserts, and cheeses.

Beginning next summer, the airline will resume its twice-daily flights to Miami and offer daily services to Dallas-Fort Worth, too. Meanwhile, flights to Las Vegas will increase from 10 to 13 per week, and the airline will operate to both San Diego and Austin 14 times a week as well.

New York (JFK) will now operate exclusively from London Heathrow, offering nine daily flights, including a new service with the airline’s 777-200 fleet.

For more information, head to ba.com.

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SEOUL, Sept. 30 (UPI) — Lenders Shinhan Bank and NH Nonghyup Bank have introduced new credit loan products for foreign employees in South Korea.

Shinhan Bank said Tuesday that the firm is offering loans of up to $14,200 with repayment terms ranging from six months to three years. It is available to holders of such visas as F2, F5, E7, and E9.

Eligible applicants need to have at least six months remaining on their stay and have received salaries through Shinhan Bank for the past three straight months. Applications can be made at the bank’s branches or via its mobile app.

To improve accessibility, the bank noted that some of its branches near industrial parks that employ large numbers of foreign workers have remained open on Sundays since July.

“We have come up with a credit loan product to make it easier for non-Korean customers to access financial services,” Shinhan Bank said in a statement. “We will continue to expand tailored services for international clients.”

NH Nonghyup Bank rolled out a similar loan program Tuesday. The credit limit is $21,300, with repayment terms ranging from six months to six years, and most other conditions mirror those of Shinhan Bank.

While domestic lenders have traditionally focused on Korean customers, they are increasingly expanding services for foreign residents as their numbers grow.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the foreign population here jumped around 35% over the past three years, from 1.96 million in 2021 to 2.65 million in 2024. The figure is expected to approach 3 million this year.

The Financial Supervisory Service also reported that the number of foreign borrowers at the country’s four major banks — KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana and Woori — surged 60% from late 2022 to early 2025.

Celebrating it’s 25th year, the hit reality competition series Big Brother has revamped its iconic chair as strangers from all over the country descend on the famous house

Iconic moments have happened on the Big Brother chair. It’s where Nikki Grahame had asked “Who is she?” over and over again after being nominated for eviction. It’s where Alison Hammond said she could probably “bend it back” after she broke a table whilst trying to spy on security. And now it’s got a brand new look.

Big Brother, which turns 25 this year, has completely revamped it’s house for the next series, including the diary room. The brand new diary room chair is just as colourful as the rest of the house, complete with green and orange cushioned arches over a giant cushioned eyeball. There, contestants will be able to talk to Big Brother.

This is the third series of the show to air on ITV2. Previously, Big Brother has been on Channel 5. Hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best will return to welcome the housemates from across the UK.

In a chat with The Mirror, AJ said she was “excited” to see the new chair and how the rest of the house had changed. “And of course, we’re all excited to see the new diary room chair and how the house has been tweaked. Bigger? Smaller? Who knows! But what’s certain is another dynamic and exciting series.”

Since 2000, strangers from all over the country have descended on the Big Brother house to compete to be crowned the winner of the show. Housemates not only have to survive being locked in a house together, but they must complete tasks and try not to get evicted from the house. ITV has promised viewers new twists and turns, as well as elaborate challenges and live evictions.

Following each episode, there is a spin-off show, Big Brother: Late & Live. This show gives viewers exclusive content from the house, along with fiery debates and hot takes from a celebrity guest panel. This year will also feature an extra week of the show, bringing it up to seven in total.

READ MORE: Charlotte Tilbury fans discover nifty way to bag two Pillow Talk products for under £5

Since it started airing on ITV, Big Brother has had a number of memorable moments, not least a romance between 2023 housemates Jordan Sangha and Henry Southan. The two got close on the show and ended up in a relationship for over a year afterwards, before sadly breaking up earlier this year.

This year’s edition of Celebrity Big Brother also saw a romance spark on the show. Pop star Jojo Siwa became close friends with Love Islander Chris Hughes, which eventually developed into a relationship. The two are still together and rumoured to be thinking about marriage.

Will Best said he’d be upset if the pair ever broke up. “If Jojo and Chris don’te last, I genuinely don’t know what I’ll do.” Later, he added that he was excited to celebrate 25 years of Big Brother and thought audiences would be too.

“Bring on the housemates, bring on seven weeks, and bring on a happy 25th anniversary to Big Brother! I think [audiences will] be happy about the extra week.

“Last series could easily have gone on longer, so this will be a nice touch. But the exciting thing is, we never really know what’s going to be new. Fans are already buzzing from the trailer and the Big Brother eye reveal.”

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A MAN in his 70s and woman in her 60s have been found dead with “serious injuries” – sparking an urgent police probe.

Emergency services rushed to the property in Cornwall on Wednesday night after a report to authorities concerning the pair’s welfare, cops said.

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Authorities arrived at the home in Treclago View, Camelford at 10pm.

The elderly man and woman, who were known to each other, had “sustained serious injuries” and were tragically pronounced dead at the scene after

Local Detective Inspector Peter Gee said: “We are supporting the next of kin of the people who have died in this very sad incident.

“Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish exactly what has happened but we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.”

He added: “A cordon remains in place at the address while officers continue with their enquiries and a thorough examination of the scene is conducted.

“There will be a heightened police presence in the area, and we encourage anyone with concerns to speak with officers.”

Devon and Cornwall Police appealed for anyone with information to contact them online or by telephone on 101, quoting reference number 50250248436.

A probe has been launched to establish the exact circumstances of the two deaths.

Cops also confirmed: “A man in his 70s and a woman in her 60s had sustained serious injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

“They were known to each other and their next of kin have been informed.”

Earlier this week, two people were found dead in a home sparking an urgent probe over their “unexplained” deaths.

Neighbours were left shocked after the bodies were discovered at a property in the village of Ormesby, North Yorkshire, on Wednesday, police said.

Cleveland Police are treating the deaths as “unexplained” at present with detectives carrying out investigations.

A property on Millbeck Way was cordoned off on Thursday morning after police made the grim discovery on Wednesday afternoon.

One local resident told TeessideLive that they hadn’t seen the people living at the property in “almost three weeks”.

They said: “I had a funny feeling after a week that something wasn’t right.”

Another resident said: “I was gutted when I heard, it was sad really.

“They were lovely people to speak to, they were to me, they were polite.”

There were also reports of the windows of the property being smashed or boarded up.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “At approximately 2.45pm on Wednesday, September 24, police attended to a property on Millbeck Way and located two bodies inside.

“The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained as detectives begin an investigation into the circumstances.

“A scene is in place at the property.”

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A FAMILY has paid tribute to their “much-loved brother”, as a murder probe is under way around his death.

Anthony Scarrott, 80, died after he was found with serious injuries at his home in Worthing.

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He was taken to hospital following a call for concern to police, who attended his address around 8.20pm on Thursday, September 11.

But Anthony – known as Tony – died three days later.

A photo of Tony in his early 20s was released by his family in tribute to the beloved brother.

Sister Sandy said: “My brother Tony was loved by so many family members and friends.

“I just want to say ‘Tony, sleep tight and remember the show must go on.”

Cops have launched an investigation, and 39-year-old man Arno Engels has been charged with murder.

Sussex Police have confirmed the two men were known to each other.

Engels was at the address when police attended, and was initially arrested on suspicion of assault.

He appeared at Crawley Magistrates Court on Thursday, September 18.

Police are still appealing for anyone with information that can help their investigation to come forward.

This includes any witnesses who may have seen or helped Tony in Westcourt Road between 7.20pm and 7.40pm on September 11.

Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends.

“Through our initial enquiries, it has been established that the victim and suspect are known to one another and we want to reassure members of the public that charges have now been secured and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation.”

Police presence will remain at the address as enquiries continue.

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Published on
22/09/2025 – 15:00 GMT+2

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Porsche’s share price slid over 7% on Monday afternoon after the firm slashed its profit outlook and postponed the rollout of an electric range.

Shares in Volkswagen, Porsche’s largest shareholder, were also down over 7% on Monday afternoon.

Porsche made the announcements on Friday, warning that the EV pivot would dent its operating profits by €1.8 billion this year.

It forecast a positive return on sales of up to 2%, down from a previous range of 5 to 7%. The announcement marked the fourth time this year the carmaker has lowered its guidance.

Porsche said that its new SUV series, previously intended to be all-electric, would “initially be offered exclusively as a combustion engine and plug-in hybrid model due to market conditions”.

The firm added that a new software platform for EVs, planned for the 2030s, would also be delayed. Simultaneously, Porsche’s existing combustion engine models will remain available for a longer period.

The Volkswagen Group, parent company of Porsche, said in a separate statement that it expected a €5.1bn hit to its operating profits this year because of Porsche’s poor performance.

Challenges for the industry in Europe

Europe’s carmakers are struggling with lacklustre demand for their EVs as Chinese competitors continue to lead on innovation and price, partly thanks to generous subsidies from Beijing.

Adding to their woes is an economic slowdown in China, denting consumer appetite in Asian markets, paired with vacillating political support for EVs in Europe.

Some firms, including VW, are hoping that the EU will allow for some flexibility on its pledge to ban combustion engine cars from 2035. On the other hand, a lack of clarity over this deadline, along with the rollback of consumer subsidies, is making it hard for companies to plan and make investment decisions.

Along with these challenges at home, proposed 15% tariffs from the Trump administration threaten to squeeze margins on EU exports to the US.

At the end of September, Porsche will leave the DAX, Germany’s leading stock index, after a dramatic slide in its share price. The firm’s stock has fallen over 30% this year.

In order to plug losses, the company is looking to cut jobs. In March, Porsche said it would axe around 1,900 posts by 2029 through natural turnover, restrictive hiring, and voluntary agreements. The company added that another 2,000 jobs would be lost through the expiration of fixed-term employment contracts.

STRICTLY Come Dancing is already in a fix row midway through the launch show.

The complaints from fans come after one of the star’s YEARS of dance experience was revealed.

Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope isn’t just good at acting, because he is an experienced dancer too.

He previously competed in a dancing world championship final three times.

The soap hunk has been dancing since the age of 10-years-old and has appeared on TV before.

Reacting to Lewis’ prior dancing experience, one fan said: “I need lewis to stop pretending he’s not a trained dancer.”

“Another Billy Elliot ex-pro dancer. tut tut,” penned a second.

A third then wrote: “Just give lewis the trophy now. He looks the part without seeing him move.”

While a fourth said: “Lewis is such a natural mover. His theatre experience will really help him as well. He’s definitely making that final I can feel it.”

“How will Lewis Cope on the dancefloor? I reckon he’ll be just fine,” said a fifth.

A sixth then penned: “the way lewis is blatantly gonna win is p***ing me off.”

While a seventh said: “So lewis is a dancer.”

Lewis previously spent eight years in the dance group, Ruff Diamond who were runners up in Sky TV’s Got to Dance competition.

When he was 18-years-old, Lewis found himself performing in front of judges Ashley Banjo, Kimberly Wyatt and Aston Merrygold.

The group also appeared on Children in Need where they danced
with the cast of EastEnders and they were twice voted as UK Hip Hop Champions.

They also represented the UK at the 2013 World Hip Hop Dance Championships in Las Vegas.

Lewis quit Ruff Diamond in 2015 at the age of 20 so he could study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.