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The average price of gasoline paid by U.S. motorists during President Trump’s second term has surpassed the average during the Biden administration, according to various reports released this week that analyzed data from the American Automobile Association.
A gallon of regular
HUGE walkouts are set to affect both Italy and Spain this week with both flight and train journeys disrupted.
The biggest strike will be held in Italy where staff who work in public and private sectors are staging demonstrations across the whole country.
The nationwide strike is scheduled for October 30 from 12am to 12.59pm.
The 24-hour walkout includes some who work in airports, however it’s unclear how many will take part in this general strike and which airline workers will join.
However, there’s a separate strike set to take place in Tuscany on October 30.
Ground-handling companies at Toscana Aeroporti, which runs Pisa and Florence airports are planning their own 24-hour strike.
These staff are essential to the running of the airport – they load bags, check in passengers and turn planes around between flights.
A walkout here could mean delays and cancellations even if pilots and airline crews are working normally.
However, it’s possible that this will be called off as the day of the strike falls within Italy’s protected period.
Between October 30 and November 5, strikes that affect flights and airports are normally prohibited as it is a busy holiday period in Italy with All Saints’ Day falling on November 1.
Even if airport workers don’t join the strike action, the walkout will have an impact on Metro services, and on motorways, staff and toll services are set to strike.
Dockworkers and port staff are also set to strike and on the day there could be closures at attractions like museums.
The walkout follows widespread protests across the county about the rising costs of living, a new government budget plan and students are protesting over school conditions.
Over in Spain, a rail strike is set to take place on October 29 between 12.01am and 23.39pm.
The train drivers’ union SEMAF is calling for members who work for train operator Renfe to walk out.
This is over an ongoing dispute over safety standards on the country’s rail network.
It could cause major disruption across the country as Renfe operates across the entire network of Spain connecting major cities like Barcelona, Seville, Zaragoza and Alicante.
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wins a fourth term as Flavio Bolsonaro disputes the result. Can Lula deliver on his promises of change?
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva delivered a defiant message after being declared the winner of a run-off vote on Sunday.
He lost round one to his right-wing rival. But he made history by coming out on top in the second poll.
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Opponent Flavio Bolsonaro has disputed the result and says he wants it annulled.
This will be Lula’s fourth nonconsecutive term in office. He’s promised a new approach to governing. But many challenges lie ahead. So, how will his government handle them?
Presenter: James Bays
Guests:
Thiago Vidal – Political risk specialist and the director of Political Analysis at Prospectiva Public Affairs
Robert Valencia – Latin American affairs analyst and a former journalist
Graziella Testa – Professor of Political Science at the Federal University of Parana
Published On 26 Oct 202626 Oct 2026
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THE thespians who frequent the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End are more used to seeing the likes of Richard E. Grant and Christine Baranski tread the boards than a dwarf bouncing around inside a giant balloon.
That’s their loss though, because the families packing the venue off Leicester Square were hooting with laughter at the launch of Cirque Bererk last week – a theatre-circus spectacular with more than 30 performers that is running throughout October half term.
And Sun Club members can get an extra 10 per cent off if they book their tickets through London Theatre Direct, when booking via our Sun Club Promo page.
To get your tickets, sign up to Sun Club for for £1.99 a month then head to the Sun Club Offers hub and London Theatre Direct page or click here.
It was quite something to see a group of acts usually found in big tops showcasing their talents in a old-fashioned London theatre.
Despite the smaller stage, we witnessed acrobats spinning from their mouths, men doing the limbo under poles of burning fire, motorbikes racing round a metal cage and a mesmerising quad of dancers in LED armour.
Read More Half Term Inspo
While there was a lack of a thread between most of the acts that left it feeling slightly disjointed, you can be sure the children in the audience didn’t notice it.
Despite the age of the kids ranging from around three years old upwards (although age guidance is age five-plus), their concentration was held throughout the show – even though it was long enough to merit an interval.
Of course they were – who doesn’t want to see performers juggling fire and shooting arrows through objects onstage?
This was also in no small part thanks to the man from the aforementioned balloon, who took on the role of a modern ringmaster.
Fans of Zippos Circus, who produce Cirque Beserk, may recognise him from Zippos travelling shows.
With a grin wide enough to light up any stage, he tied all of the acts together alongside a comedy robot, in a style akin to an entry-level Cirque De Soleil.
Which is essentially what this show is, a great starter show for families that is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the magic of both the circus and London’s West End.
Cirque Beserk runs every day until October 31, with tickets from £28.
13:03, 23 Oct 2026Updated 13:04, 23 Oct 2026
Heading to a hotel this half term? Try these tricks to get little ones to sleep (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It can be tricky to get your little ones off to sleep when they’re away from home. Staying over in a new environment is exciting, but it’s also a change from their nightly routine, and that can make it difficult for them to drift off. So, we decided to ask the experts!
Here, The Sleep Charity – in partnership with Premier Inn – have given some top bedtime tips to help kids nod off in no time, wherever they are. As a charity that works extensively with families, they know the importance of a great night’s sleep.
Favourite teddy: Kids will always want something familiar in a new environment, so be sure to pack their favourite toy or blanket to help them feel comfortable and at home.
Bedtime routine: Although you won’t be able to do everything like you would at home, try to include an element of your usual routine, such as reading a bedtime story.
Colouring in: Fine motor skill activities help kids relax, so take advantage of the colouring packs in hotel restaurants like to get a head-start on bedtime!
No TV: Screens interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes us sleepy. Switching off the TV an hour before bedtime can really help little ones nod off.
Bath time: A warm bath 30 minutes before bedtime can be very effective in helping kids wind down and getting them off to sleep.
Repetition: Staying away from home is exciting for kids, so you’ll need to be clear and firm with them when it’s time for bed. Try a calming phrase like ‘It’s night-time, go to sleep’ and repeat it.
Dim the lights: Switch off a few lights and make use of the Premier Inn blackout curtains to help with that all-important melatonin production.
Mealtimes: Plan your dinner time! Try not to eat so early that the kids are hungry by bedtime or so late that they’re uncomfortably full.
Avoid stimulants: Caffeine and sugar play havoc with sleep so in the evenings, try to steer little ones away from sugary desserts and opt for fruit and water instead.
*From breakfast to dinner, kids eat free at Premier Inn this autumn with a paying adult. Choose from over 600 hotel locations across the UK. Little ones can enjoy delicious and nutritious dishes like our 10-Veg Tomato Pasta and Oven Baked Poppin’ Chicken – and sweet treats like a Fresh Fruit Salad, Pancakes and more.
Valid at selected Premier Inn restaurants until 1st November, for participating restaurants see HERE
WASHINGTON — Chuck Schumer has won and lost Senate majorities since becoming Democratic leader a decade ago. But this year’s midterm elections could be his most important yet, with some in the party having said he needs to step down and make way for a new generation.
Schumer, who has directly or indirectly overseen his party’s Senate campaign arm in almost every election cycle over the last 20 years, has regained trust within his caucus, for now, as Democrats are hopeful of making gains in the midterm elections despite a difficult map that favors Republicans.
Allies of the New York Democrat say it’s a significant turnaround from last year, when the party was still reeling from major election losses. A low point came in the spring of 2025, when the party’s base erupted at Schumer for voting to keep President Trump’s government open.
Interviews with more than a dozen Democratic senators in recent weeks indicate that Schumer has recovered his political standing with many in his caucus. If Democrats gain seats in the election, colleagues expect him to easily win enough support in the closed-door leadership election, likely the week after Election Day.
Should they win a majority, a feat once seen as improbable, another term as leader would be nearly assured, many said. Both parties pick their Senate leaders by secret ballot, so no senator has to reveal their vote.
Still, nothing is guaranteed. While no Democrat has stepped up to challenge Schumer, that could quickly change if his party suffers an unexpected level of losses. And several Democratic candidates around the country have said publicly that they won’t vote for Schumer or have remained noncommittal.
Interviewed by The Associated Press earlier this month, Schumer stated unequivocally that he’s running for another term as leader. He said he believes Democrats have won more favor with voters over the last year and have a shot at winning the majority after fighting Trump’s tariffs, forcing more than a dozen votes to end the war in Iran and focusing on affordability, corruption and healthcare.
“I think our caucus is strong, it’s united,” Schumer said. “A year ago, everyone said it was out of reach. Today, we have a broader map, strong candidates, a clear contrast.”
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said that “Senate seats in some ruby red states seem to be in play” because of candidates Schumer recruited.
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat who has served with Schumer for almost 30 years, said that “if you had told us in 2025 that we’d be in the home stretch with a really good shot of taking the majority, it would have been like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ You can’t argue with results.”
And if Democrats don’t win additional seats? “I’m not thinking about that,” Wyden said.
While Schumer appears to be in a good position at the moment, many Democratic senators won’t say publicly whether they will support him — particularly those in the most progressive wing of the party.
“It’s a little bit too early to speculate on that right now,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats.
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said she is focused on November’s elections. “We’ll know a lot more after the midterms,” she said.
Freshman Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan has called for a “new generation” of leaders across the party.
“It’s not a secret that Democrats still haven’t totally found their footing after Trump,” Slotkin said in a recent interview, adding that “we have to see what the results of the election are.”
Even if there are losses in Senate races, it’s unclear if any other Democrat wants the burden of being leader. Many are instead eyeing runs for the White House in 2028.
Speculation about a challenge to Schumer has centered on Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Brian Schatz of Hawaii, who has already said he’s running for the No. 2 leadership spot to replace retiring Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin.
Asked about Schumer, Van Hollen said he doesn’t want to discuss it yet.
“Look, I think everybody wants to get through this election, and then we’ll go from there,” Van Hollen said in an interview before the Senate left Washington to campaign.
Several Senate candidates around the country have either said they won’t vote for Schumer if they are elected or remained noncommittal, including Troy Jackson in Maine, Adam Hamilton in Kansas and Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan.
At the same time, the Senate Majority PAC, which is closely aligned with Schumer, has put millions of dollars into those campaigns and others. Schumer backed El-Sayed’s primary opponent, but the two met in Washington last month.
El-Sayed said after the meeting that the party is united and “we’re having really productive conversations about what it takes to win.”
Several of the Democratic senators who insisted on anonymity to share their views agreed that Schumer is likely to win another term as leader. There have been very few discussions about a change, said one, partially because Schumer has stayed close to almost everyone in his caucus, keeping them on speed dial in his famous flip phone. Another senator said that they aren’t aware of Schumer asking for any commitments just yet.
At the same time, some said they would like to see Schumer, who is up for reelection in 2028, announce that this is his last term as leader and commit to helping transition to a successor. A commitment like that could end the conversation, one senator said.
Another senator said that a commitment from Schumer about the future isn’t as important — what will matter is if they win in November.
All of the senators agreed that there are no obvious contenders right now to challenge him, but that could change quickly if Democrats lose Senate seats in November.
Attitudes within the Democratic caucus have improved since last year, when the base revolted against Schumer for the March vote to keep the Republican president’s government open. Progressive groups like MoveOn called for him to step down, arguing that Democrats needed to fight harder against Trump and Republicans.
Schumer regained some favor with Democrats inside and outside the Capitol during a prolonged government shutdown a year ago and as he has repeatedly blocked Trump’s nominees and Republican legislation.
But while the calls to resign or step aside have waned, many are still agitating for change.
“Our priority right now is organizing and making sure we elect a new generation laser-focused on affordability and fighting corruption,” said Joel Payne, a national spokesman for MoveOn.
Referring to the 2025 calls for Schumer to step aside, Payne said the group’s members have “already rendered a judgment on Schumer’s tenure and made clear they’re eager for new leadership that energizes the party base.”
It’s unclear, though, whether calls from the progressive wing of the party will influence the secret ballot vote, in which Schumer needs only a majority to win.
Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., dismissed the talk about Schumer’s future.
“It’s hard to lose if no one else is challenging you,” he said.
Jalonick writes for the Associated Press. AP writers Steven Sloan, Seung Min Kim and Joey Cappelletti contributed to this report.
Gianni Infantino’s chances of being re-elected as Fifa president appear to have been given a major boost with potential rival Victor Montagliani set to remain as head of Concacaf.
The Canadian, 61, was widely seen as a possible candidate after Infantino’s failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors sparked a global backlash.
However, Montagliani never confirmed he wanted to challenge Infantino, and according to sources, he has now told colleagues that he will instead seek a final term as head of the confederation which governs North and Central America and the Caribbean.
As first reported by the Guardian, it means he will not stand against Infantino, 56, who is seeking a fourth term in March’s presidential election.
The rebellion against him, spearheaded by European governing body Uefa, must now try to identify a unifying candidate by the deadline of 18 November.
Meanwhile, Aleksander Ceferin will stand for a fourth term as Uefa president.
Ceferin informed delegates of his decision at a meeting of all 55 national association chiefs in Berlin.
Uefa also reaffirmed its opposition to Infantino as it published a 14-point plan to reform world football’s governing body.
Ceferin’s move had been widely anticipated and reverses his insistence he would not seek re-election, which the Slovenian outlined in February 2024.
At that point Ceferin, who was initially elected in 2016, was embroiled in a row over Uefa changing its statutes to allow him to serve for a fourth term.
However, there had been a growing expectation the 58-year-old would stand.
This has only been made more likely since Uefa launched its efforts to oust Infantino, who scrapped his sell-off plan following widespread opposition.
“I want to thank the national associations for their trust,” Ceferin said.
“We have faced extraordinary challenges over the past years, and we have faced them as one team. There is still important work ahead, and I have therefore accepted their request.
“My ambition remains the same: to keep European football united, make our game stronger and leave Uefa ready for the next generation.”
Ceferin has ruled out standing against Infantino himself but is committed to finding a candidate around which the game can unite in March’s FIfa election.
STAYING in the UK for October half-term sounds like the smart, budget-conscious choice… until you sit down and crunch the numbers.
Between filling the fridge, shelling out for soft play, buying fuel for days out and those innocent-looking theme park trips that somehow cost £50 before you’ve even passed through the turnstiles, you could easily spend hundreds in a week.
And that’s before the mental toll of cooking three meals a day, clearing up the constant mess and playing full-time entertainment director.
So, I did the maths on another option – cheap resorts with all-inclusive packages for October half-term, starting from £255pp or £51 a night.
With accommodation, meals and selected snacks and drinks included, as well as free childcare at some resort hotels, flying abroad starts to look like something worth pricing up against your half-term plans at home.
Here are the seven best-value resorts I’d be searching for this October half term – and someone else can handle the cooking.
Kusadasi gives families an all-inclusive holiday and a change of scenery from the usual Spanish resorts.
It also gives you plenty of scope for time outdoors, with an average October daytime high of 24C.
My pick of hotels for October was the Grand Blue Sky International.
It has pools, (including a children’s pool), play areas and a club advertised for children aged four to twelve.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet-style as part of its All Inclusive programme, with a later breakfast option if the family pulls off the rare miracle of sleeping in.
At £408pp, this is the priciest of the seven, but it gets you five nights at a mega-resort, with flights and meals included. Not bad.
Albufeira is a good fit for an autumn break that mixes beach time with getting out and exploring.
The October daytime high is 23C, ideal for a walk along the beach or an afternoon in the brilliant bars of Albufeira’s old town.
Grand Muthu Forte da Oura is around 750 metres from Praia da Oura beach, with a main pool, children’s pool and playground.
And its stellar all-inclusive programme covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon snacks and selected locally produced drinks.
Lunch and dinner can be buffet-style or served from a set menu, but either way, having those meals accounted for makes your spending money easier to plan.
There is also free childcare year round – check availability before booking.
The five-night deal I found here was just £378pp, with flights, accommodation and all-inclusive food and drinks chucked in.
As you’d expect, Tenerife has the highest October average on this list.
With an average daytime high of 27C in October, Callao Salvaje is a strong pick when maximum warmth is what you’re after.
I found a great deal at BLUESEA Callao Garden here.
The apartment-style accommodation has three outdoor pools and activities including mini golf and table tennis.
Its all-inclusive board includes buffet meals, so there’s less need to hunt for somewhere to eat whenever somebody gets hungry.
And for all of this – guaranteed October heat, all you can eat and drink, return flights and your accommodation sorted – you’ll only need to part with £330pp.
Benidorm makes family time in the sun easy – you’ve got massive beaches, promenades that aren’t a nightmare with a pushchair and plenty to see without committing to a full day’s excursion.
And the weather’s great too, with an average October daytime high of 25C.
I wouldn’t look much further than the highly-rated Hotel Cuco, just ten minutes’ walk from Poniente Beach.
Its buffet restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes with show cooking, and there’s a decent pool at the hotel too.
There’s a mini club for the little ones, as well as a rooftop pool bar which mum and dad might have more interest in exploring.
I found a deal for five nights this October for only £325pp, all-inclusive – that’s mega value for half-term.
If your family wants proper entertainment rather than five quiet days by the pool, Oropesa del Mar could be the perfect pick.
With an average October daytime high of 24C, you get great conditions for getting out, topping up the Vitamin D and working on your tan.
And this hotel’s something special for both adults and kids too.
Magic Fantasy Hotel goes big on the family theme, with fantasy-inspired rooms and a Pirates Buffet serving Spanish and international food with a children’s section.
Over the October break there’s live entertainment, costume contests, and the waterparks fully open.
At £293pp for five nights all-inclusive, you’re getting flights, meals and plenty to get your teeth into for the week before you’ve planned a single day out.
La Pineda makes family days super-straightforward.
Its long, flat beach gives everyone room to spread out, and the resort has an average October daytime high of 22C.
Not boiling, but that’s plenty of warmth for time on the sand, whether or not anyone fancies getting in the sea…
Gran Hotel La Hacienda is around 550 metres from the beach and has pools and a mini club for younger guests.
Meals are served buffet-style at its Riviera Maya restaurant, taking the daily “where shall we eat?” discussion off your hands, thank God.
PortAventura World is nearby too if you fancy a theme park day out, though tickets cost extra.
And the five-night all-inclusive package I found comes in at £283pp. Bargain.
My number one pick, Lloret de Mar, gives you beaches, coastal walks and a town to explore with the kids.
October’s average daytime high is around 22C.
That’s a comfortable temperature for a beach stroll or an afternoon exploring the Costa Brava without worrying about caking the kids in sun cream every ten minutes.
Guitart Central Park Aqua Resort has several pools, children’s clubs for different age groups and buffet restaurants serving Mediterranean, Italian and Catalan dishes, including loads of great options for children.
Its aquapark is the star of the show though with enough slides and features to keep the kids busy all week.
At £255pp, or £51 a night, this is the cheapest five-night all-inclusive deal I found too, and the one I’d personally be booking.
A travel warning has been issued to Brits jetting off abroad(Image: Getty Images/Stock Image)
Airports across the nation will be bracing for another busy travel season as we head towards the October half-term, with thousands of families set to jet off abroad on a sun-soaked getaway. But amid the excitement, holidaymakers have been issued a warning and advised to be well prepared for the new rules.
Some UK airports have upgraded their security scanners, meaning that travellers can carry up to 2 litres of liquid through security and no longer need to remove liquids from their hand luggage. Additional rules have also been introduced for security checks, which can vary from airport to airport, making it even more confusing when travelling abroad.
To ensure that holidaymakers are fully prepared before jetting off abroad in the coming weeks, Heathrow Airport issued an update to all travellers. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the UK’s largest airport shared its “top tips” for going through security and warned: “Security requirements may vary by destination, both within and outside the UK.”
It comes as Heathrow has upgraded its security scanners. On the airport website, they confirmed: “You can now keep liquids and large electronic items in your cabin bag, so getting through security is quicker and easier”. They then outlined that passengers passing through Heathrow should:
The change is thanks to new CT scanners that provide security staff with detailed 3D images of bags, allowing travellers to keep their two-litre liquids in their hand luggage when passing through airport security. However, it’s important to understand that “not all airports use the same security equipment”, as Heathrow warned.
They said: “If you’re flying from another UK or international airport, check the local security rules before you travel. Liquid limits and security checks may be different.” They further explained that “many airports outside Heathrow still have a 100ml liquids limit” and it’s best to check the rules before travelling. This also applies to UK airports, with many still obtaining the 100ml rule.
While many UK airports still have the 100ml liquid rule in place, some have relaxed measures. A number of airports no longer require travellers to store their liquids in a clear plastic bag, and they can also be kept in their hand luggage when going through security. However, as specific rules can vary, it’s best to check directly with the airport you’re flying from, especially in the run-up to the October half-term.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
