UK rejects visa for girl left destitute in Jamaica by Hurricane Melissa

Asda has reported a 3.8% decline in total sales to £5.1 billion for the three months ending September, attributing the drop to both government actions that have undermined consumer confidence and internal IT issues that led to product shortages. Comparable store sales also fell by 2.8% during this period.

Ryanair is discontinuing its frequent flyers members’ club after just eight months due to excessive exploitation of its benefits by customers. The airline reported that while 55,000 individuals signed up for the Prime membership, passengers benefited from discounts totaling over €6 million, surpassing the €4.4 million generated from the scheme.

A recent study indicates that minor adjustments to the political content in the 'for you' feed on X can lead to significant increases in political polarization among users within just a week, a shift that historically would have taken three years. The research highlights how even subtle boosts to posts with anti-democratic sentiments can alter users' perceptions of opposing political groups.

Europol has seized over 8 million counterfeit and potentially harmful toys from shops and markets across 26 EU countries in a pre-Christmas operation. The confiscated items include fake dolls, building bricks, toy cars, and educational games that may pose health risks to children.

Irish author Sally Rooney has informed the High Court that she is unlikely to publish new works in the UK while the ban on the activist group Palestine Action remains in place, citing her public support for the group as a potential reason for her books disappearing from UK stores altogether.

The State Library of Victoria is facing significant job cuts, with a proposal to reduce its workforce by 39 positions, including a decrease in reference librarians from 25 to 10. Staff have criticized management for prioritizing 'digital vanity projects' over the library's core functions, which have been central to its 171-year history.

A catastrophic fire has engulfed the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, resulting in a death toll that has risen to at least 94, with hundreds reported missing. The fire, which began on external scaffolding, has continued to blaze for over 24 hours, prompting extensive rescue operations as emergency services struggle to reach those trapped in the upper floors.

The Guardian's picture editors have curated a selection of photographs showcasing Renaissance paintings alongside a gingerbread exhibition, reflecting a blend of art and festive culture. This collection highlights the visual storytelling that captures both historical and contemporary themes in a single day.