Spending cuts in Wales loom if Drakeford budget falls in Senedd

A coalition of media professionals, including editors and journalists, has expressed strong concerns over a government proposal to grant anonymity to firearms officers in England and Wales facing criminal charges. They argue that this move could undermine public confidence in policing and contribute to the spread of misinformation online. Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has been urged to reconsider this plan, as it could compromise the principles of open justice that are vital for maintaining trust in law enforcement.

Cardiff City is facing criticism after a rat interrupted a crucial World Cup qualifying match against Belgium, leading to a halt in play. This unusual incident has raised questions about the club's pest control measures, with officials stating it's an unprecedented occurrence in their 36 years. The situation not only affected the game but also highlighted the importance of maintaining a clean environment in sports venues, especially during significant events. Fans and players alike are concerned about the implications for future matches.

In a thrilling match, Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne scored two penalties and Thomas Meunier added another goal, leading to a comeback victory over Wales. This result significantly diminishes Wales' chances of qualifying for the World Cup, as they now face an uphill battle to secure a spot. The match was a reminder of the unpredictability of football, but ultimately, it highlights the challenges Wales must overcome in their quest for international success.

In a disappointing match for Wales, they fell to Belgium with a score of 2-4 during the World Cup 2026 qualifying round. This loss is significant as it impacts Wales' chances of advancing in the tournament, highlighting the challenges they face in securing a spot in the prestigious event. Fans are left concerned about the team's performance and what it means for their future in international football.

A recent report by Hamptons reveals that millennials now represent half of all new buy-to-let investors in England and Wales, marking a significant generational shift in the rental market. This trend is particularly noteworthy as many millennials have faced challenges in affording home purchases. The increase in millennial investors could reshape the rental landscape, especially as rents have recently dipped, making it an opportune time for this age group to enter the market.

The Green Party in England and Wales has reached a significant milestone, surpassing 100,000 members for the first time, marking a nearly 50% increase since Zack Polanski became leader last month. This surge in membership not only reflects growing public support for environmental issues but also positions the party to potentially challenge the Conservatives in future elections. It's an exciting time for the Greens, as they gain momentum and visibility in the political landscape.

Craig Bellamy is optimistic about Wales' chances in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Belgium. He believes a 'special moment' is on the horizon, especially after Belgium's recent draw with North Macedonia. A win for Wales in Cardiff would significantly boost their chances of automatic qualification, making this match crucial for the team's future. Bellamy's positive outlook is infectious, and it highlights the importance of this game for Welsh football.

Plaid Cymru has announced its support for a white paper on independence for Wales, although it will not pursue this goal within the first term of government. This decision is significant as it reflects the party's long-term vision for Welsh autonomy, while also acknowledging the practicalities of governance in the short term. By prioritizing other issues initially, Plaid aims to build a stronger foundation for future discussions on independence.

SpaceX has achieved a significant milestone by successfully landing its 11th Starship test flight on October 14, 2025. This accomplishment comes at a time when there were doubts about the spacecraft's capabilities. The rocket launched from Texas, flew halfway around the globe, deployed mock satellites, and landed in the Indian Ocean, showcasing the potential of SpaceX's technology and paving the way for future space exploration.

Canadian Tire has reported a data breach that may have compromised the personal information of online shoppers with e-commerce accounts. This incident raises concerns about the security of customer data and highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting consumer information. As more people shop online, breaches like this can undermine trust in e-commerce platforms.

The Rafah crossing remains closed as Israel accuses Hamas of violating the ceasefire by failing to return the bodies of hostages. This situation is critical as it not only affects the humanitarian aid flow into Gaza but also escalates tensions in the region. Reports of casualties from Israeli drone strikes in Gaza further complicate the fragile ceasefire, highlighting the ongoing violence and the urgent need for a resolution.

The search for the remains of Israeli hostages killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, as the International Committee of the Red Cross has indicated that it will take time to recover the bodies due to the challenging conditions in Gaza. Recently, Hamas returned four bodies, which have been identified by the Israeli military, but 24 more remain unaccounted for under the ceasefire terms. This situation highlights the ongoing complexities and humanitarian concerns surrounding the conflict.

The tragic death of Theo Treharne-Jones in a hotel pool in June 2019 is under scrutiny as an inquest examines the safety measures in place, particularly the door locks. This investigation is crucial as it highlights the importance of ensuring child safety in public spaces, prompting discussions about necessary improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Socialist Party has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions regarding Prime Minister Lecornu's draft budget, signaling a potential easing of tensions within the government. This openness to dialogue is significant as it may lead to a more collaborative approach in addressing fiscal policies, which could ultimately benefit the country's economic stability and governance.