Has Britain's budget watchdog become too all-powerful?

Eddie Rushe, an 82-year-old man from Lurgan, has suffered significant financial loss, amounting to £35,000, after falling victim to three separate online scams over a period of 18 months. The scams have left him feeling 'broken' and deeply affected his trust in online transactions.

A school has achieved nearly 100% attendance rates, significantly bucking the trend of lower attendance seen since 2019. This remarkable achievement highlights the effective strategies implemented by the school to engage students and encourage regular attendance.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has denied allegations of making racist remarks during his time at Dulwich College in the 1970s, responding to claims from former classmates who assert he exhibited racist and antisemitic behavior. He stated he has 'never directly racially abused anybody.'

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Max Whitlock has announced his return from retirement, aiming to secure a spot at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. This decision marks a significant moment in his athletic career as he seeks to compete at the highest level once again.

Morgan Geyser, who gained notoriety for stabbing a classmate 19 times in 2014 to appease the fictional character Slender Man, was recently captured after escaping from a group home. She had cut off her electronic monitoring device and was apprehended at a truck stop in Illinois after being reported missing from Madison, Wisconsin.

Ten-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan has made headlines by winning the UK Women’s Blitz Championship, a significant achievement that places her among the top 50 women chess players in the world. This victory highlights her exceptional talent and potential in the competitive chess landscape.

Gunmen abducted over 250 schoolchildren in Nigeria, with a father recounting the traumatic moment he watched his son being taken. The incident underscores the ongoing security crisis in the region, where such kidnappings have become alarmingly frequent.

Faye Moffat, a five-year-old from Prestonpans, successfully completed a charity climb to the summit of Ben Nevis, battling challenging snow and ice conditions alongside her father. The climb was undertaken to raise funds for children in need, highlighting the spirit of community support and resilience.