Joseph Butler has been sentenced to 12 years in prison with two years suspended for the manslaughter of Paula Canty, a 31-year-old mother-of-two, in Mallow, County Cork. Butler stabbed Ms Canty in the chest with a kitchen knife following an argument in January 2025 and fled the scene without calling emergency services. The judge highlighted his callousness and dismissed his claims that the stabbing was accidental.
Summary headline: Man sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter of brother's girlfriend in County Cork
Elmbridge Borough Council has paid out more than £60,000 in refunds after incorrectly issuing thousands of parking fines over a six-year period. The local authority launched a refund scheme in June, which is ultimately expected to cost about £308,000. Over 1,800 claims have been filed, and the council has apologised for the error.
Summary headline: Elmbridge Borough Council pays out over £60,000 for incorrectly issued parking fines
Bolton and Undercliffe councillor Jon Barras has left Reform UK to stand as an independent, citing disagreements with local leadership over motions concerning Bradford's City of Sanctuary status and targeted education funding, as well as alleged systemic bullying. Reform group leader Stephen Place has called for Barras to resign and trigger a by-election, but Barras has refused to step down.
Summary headline: Bradford councillor Jon Barras quits Reform UK to sit as an independent, sparking calls for a by-election
Ein internationales Gremium hat auf der Generalkonferenz für Maß und Gewicht beschlossen, die Schaltsekunde abzuschaffen. Grund für die bisherige Nutzung waren unregelmäßige Schwankungen der Erdrotation, die zu Abweichungen zwischen Sonnen- und Atomzeit führten. Da Computersysteme durch unvorhersehbare Schaltsekunden vor Probleme gestellt wurden und Abweichungen im Alltag keine Rolle spielen, darf die Weltzeit künftig um bis zu eine Stunde von der astronomischen Zeit abweichen. Handlungsbedarf besteht voraussichtlich erst wieder um das Jahr 3000, etwa durch eine mögliche Schaltstunde oder Zeitzonenanpassungen.
Summary headline: Die Schaltsekunde wird abgeschafft
Bundeswirtschaftsministerin Katherina Reiche fordert nach dem ausgelaufenen Tankrabatt gezieltere Entlastungen für Geringverdiener durch Direktzahlungen. Im ARD-Interview der Woche kritisierte sie das SPD-geführte Finanzministerium dafür, dass ein entsprechender Mechanismus noch nicht einsatzbereit ist. Zudem äußerte sie sich besorgt über knappe Ölprodukte und sprach sich für eine Flexibilisierung und Erhöhung der Arbeitszeiten aus.
Summary headline: Wirtschaftsministerin Reiche plädiert für Direktzahlungen statt Tankrabatt
Dozens of masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and set fire to cars and olive trees during the annual olive harvest near Abu Falah in the occupied West Bank. A BBC team witnessed the violence, which left 12 Palestinians injured—including four dual Palestinian-American citizens—and American journalist Heidi Levine hurt after being ambushed while reporting. The UN reports that recent settler attacks during the harvest have killed one Palestinian and injured over 120 others.
A report into racially motivated rioting in Ballymena revealed that Harryville Primary School acted as a safe haven for children whose homes were under attack. Principal Neil McCullough stated that some migrant families slept in their cars due to fear, and 41 pupils never returned to the school following the disorder. The report highlighted institutional unpreparedness, noting that the school had to pay for hotel accommodation out of its own budget after receiving little support from the Education Authority.
Summary headline: Some pupils 'slept in their cars' during Ballymena riots
Pope Leo XIV has been photographed celebrating Mass from Rome's Gemelli Hospital, marking the first images released by the Vatican since he underwent successful lung surgery. The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after the procedure, during which the lower lobe of his right lung was removed. Doctors report a steady improvement in his general condition and good recovery of the operated lung.
Summary headline: Pope Leo XIV pictured for the first time since lung surgery and cancer diagnosis
Mark Townsend spent 17 years searching for information about his grandfather, Cyril Smith, who died in Germany in February 1945. Using an AI search engine, Townsend uncovered a group photograph and service records revealing that Smith was part of the Frome Auxiliary Unit, a secret force trained in guerrilla warfare to resist a potential German invasion, before later joining the Wiltshire Regiment on the frontline.
Summary headline: AI helps man discover grandad was a covert World War Two soldier
Dementia Friendly Guernsey has launched a free virtual tour of St Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey, designed to help people with dementia reconnect with memories, stimulate cognitive activity, and reduce isolation.
Summary headline: Free virtual tour of Guernsey's capital launched to support dementia patients
Stephen Sellars, 62, from Hibaldstow, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison at Hull Crown Court after pleading guilty to the sexual penetration of a dead body. He was caught in the act by the victim's son and nephew when they returned to the home where the woman had recently passed away. The judge noted elements of planning—such as bolted gates and locked doors—and imposed a five-year sexual harm prevention order alongside a restraining order.
Summary headline: Stephen Sellars jailed for 16 months for sexual penetration of a corpse
Nachdem jüdische Studierende den sachsen-anhaltischen AfD-Politiker Hans-Thomas Tillschneider mit einer Menschenkette daran gehindert hatten, eine Gedenkfeier in der Synagoge von Halle zu betreten, erhalten sie vermehrt Anfeindungen und Morddrohungen. Die Polizei ermittelt parallel wegen des Verdachts der Beleidigung gegen Tillschneider, der von Unbekannten als „Nazi“ bezeichnet worden sein soll. Der Landesverband der AfD in Sachsen-Anhalt wird vom Verfassungsschutz als gesichert rechtsextremistisch eingestuft.
Summary headline: Morddrohungen gegen jüdische Studierende nach AfD-Blockade in Halle
The family of Sean Farmer, a Gaelic football fan shot dead by the UVF's Glenanne gang in 1975, has reached a settlement involving undisclosed damages and an apology from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Legal action involving claims of security force collusion and malfeasance in public office was pursued following a Historical Enquiries Team report that highlighted serious investigative omissions. A separate claim against the Ministry of Defence is scheduled to go to trial.
Summary headline: Glenanne gang: Family of murdered GAA fan to receive damages and apology from PSNI
A 61-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder after a man in his 30s was found dead in St Peter's, Broadstairs, has been released under investigation as Kent Police inquiries continue.
Summary headline: Murder suspect released under investigation following death in Broadstairs
Nach der Zustimmung der EZB-Aufseher steht einer Mehrheitsübernahme der Commerzbank durch die italienische Großbank UniCredit kaum noch etwas im Weg. Die UniCredit darf ihre Beteiligung nun über die bisherige 30-Prozent-Schwelle hinaus ausbauen und strebt bis Jahresende rund 50 Prozent der Stimmrechte an. Während Experten einen neuen europäischen Bankenriesen entstehen sehen, befürchten Gewerkschaften wie ver.di den Abbau von bis zu 15.000 Arbeitsplätzen. Der Bund, der noch rund 13 Prozent an der Commerzbank hält, verhandelt unter anderem über Zusagen zum Hauptsitz in Frankfurt und den Schutz des Mittelstands.
Summary headline: Wie es mit der Commerzbank nach der EZB-Freigabe für die UniCredit weitergeht
The annual Shrewsbury Food Festival, held in Quarry Park since 2013, has been cancelled after 13 years because of escalating fuel, staffing, and infrastructure costs. Organiser Beth Heath stated that the event is no longer financially viable in the current economic climate, as raising ticket prices would be unfeasible given customers' reduced disposable income.
Summary headline: Shrewsbury Food Festival cancelled after 13 years due to rising costs
A senior fire chief at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has warned that lives could be lost in future wildfires following a destructive summer of blazes in the Midlands. Group Commander Dave Swallow stated that he expects similar scenes to the fires that destroyed homes in Stourbridge and Pershore to happen again as climate change brings hotter summers. He has advised the public to minimize risks around their properties and is lobbying the government for a UK-wide fire danger rating system similar to Australia's.
Summary headline: Hereford & Worcester fire chief warns that lives could be lost in future UK wildfires
Deepesh Patel from Coventry has taken over his parents' after-school tuition business to honour their legacy while they remain missing following catastrophic floods and landslides near the Nepal-Tibet border. Bipin and Mala Patel were travelling on a pilgrimage when disaster struck on 26 August. The family are still awaiting news and supporting others affected through a shared community group chat.
Summary headline: Son continues parents' tuition business after they go missing in Nepal floods
Approximately 1,500 participants raised more than £70,000 by swimming over 366 miles during the Guernsey Swimarathon held at Beau Sejour and the inaugural Salty Swimarathon at La Vallette Bathing Pools. The primary beneficiary of the fundraising event is Les Bourgs Hospice, which offers specialist palliative care and family support.
Summary headline: Guernsey Swimarathon raises over £70,000 for charity
A severe drought has been declared by the Environment Agency in parts of Devon and Cornwall, with reservoir levels significantly below average. Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil blamed South West Water for the situation, accusing the firm of neglect and failing to build adequate reservoirs. South West Water stated it is managing resources and fixing leaks, while farmers have reported reduced crop yields due to the dry conditions.
Summary headline: South West drought blamed on water firm's neglect by council leader
