40 m. ago The 14 rivers set to be cleaned up with funding from £3.3 million of Thames Water fines

More than £3.3 million of penalties handed to the capital’s water company between April 2022 and October 2023 are now funding river schemes across the city

Economics

51 m. ago Larkhall councillor calls on politicians to unite and help create banking hub in the town

Conservative councillor Richard Nelson has written to Bank of Scotland bosses to state his opposition over the impending closure of the Larkhall branch early next year.

Politics

66 m. ago Madagascar president who took power in coup accuses protesters of trying to trigger another one

Young people take to streets to voice anger at water and power cuts, and corruption in political systemMadagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina, who first came to power in a coup in 2009, has condemned protests calling for his resignation, saying that demonstrators were trying to trigger a coup and were funded by unspecified foreign governments and organisations.Youth-led demonstrations on the Indian Ocean island started on 25 September, initially driven by outrage over water and power cuts, but have grown into demands for action against corruption and reform of the political system. At least 22 people have been killed by security forces, according to the UN, which officials denied. Continue reading...

Politics

95 m. ago Child Trust Fund UK: how to find my government CTF with GOV.UK

A few minutes online could unlock cash in your name – perfect for rent, bills or saving 💰

Politics

1 hour ago Motherwell Photo Society member shows off seven decades of snaps

Iain Ferguson first picked up a camera in the 1960’s, taking photographs of his toy soldiers and model aeroplanes.

Culture

2 h. ago NHS Lanarkshire launches new initiative taking active stance against racism

The health board’s first anti-racism plan aims to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment for both staff and patients.

Events

3 h. ago White House halts $2.1bn of Chicago transport funding; Senate to hold vote as shutdown enters third day – US politics live

Trump aide Russ Vought said hold would affect work to extend and modernize city’s transit lines amid little hope Senate can agree a way out of shutdownThe Eisenhower Presidential Library’s director has exited his position after advocating against giving a sword from the collection to King Charles as a gift during Donald Trump’s recent state visit, according to US media reports on Thursday.Todd Arrington left his post on Monday after being told to “resign or be fired”, he told CBS News, which did not specify who had relayed the message to the historian. Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago Trump pauses $2.1B for Chicago infrastructure projects, leveraging shutdown to pressure Democrats

White House budget director Russ Vought says the Trump administration will withhold $2.1 billion for Chicago infrastructure projects, expanding funding fights that have targeted Democratic areas during the government shutdown

Politics

4 h. ago Monty Python fans are only just realising unlikely celebs produced film for odd reason

Monty Python and the Holy Grail was rejected by studios but the comedy troupe found funding from a number of famous musicians, and fans are only just realising who

Politics

4 h. ago Police probe if Manchester synagogue terrorist sent death threats to MP

Conservative MP John Howell received a series of threatening emails after he spoke out in defence of Israel’s right to protect itself

Events

4 h. ago ‘We called ourselves the lifeboat crew’: how fired USAID workers launched a rescue project ‘to save as many babies as we can’

After the Trump administration closed the organisation down, a group of former staff secured new funding for almost 80 programmes, benefiting an estimated 40 million peopleThey call themselves the “lifeboat crew”. After losing their jobs abruptly when the Trump administration slashed US overseas aid earlier this year, a group of dedicated workers decided to launch their own rescue package.Refusing to “wallow in misery”, Rob Rosenbaum, a former USAID economist, and a group of like-minded former agency staff began efforts to save some of the vital programmes that faced closure after the cuts. Continue reading...

Events

4 h. ago North Lanarkshire Council tenants to benefit from £40m investment in modern central heating systems

Four-year contract with Sureserve Compliance North (Gas Call) and Saltire Facilities Management will see around 1500 new central heating systems installed in first year alone.

Economics

4 h. ago Almost £10,000 raised for Jewish community following Manchester synagogue terror attack

'After the horrific, murderous attack on a synagogue in Manchester, it is more important than ever that good people show their support and solidarity with the Jewish community', says the fundraiser

Events

5 h. ago £10m in fines paid by water firms funds restoration of sewage

Fifty-one projects have won funding, including restoring riverbeds in Exmoor National Park and tackling septic tank spills into Windermere.

Economics

5 h. ago Taylor Swift receives mixed reviews for The Life Of A Showgirl

The album sees the singer open up about her romance with fiance Travis Kelce, and indulge listeners in a fun and playful 12-track pop record.

Politics

5 h. ago Work to upgrade floodlights at Airdrie school's sports pitches gets underway

Project being funded by the Scotland Recycling Fund, which backs projects that help the environment and make better use of resources.

Events

6 h. ago Police probe whether Islamist terrorist sent death threats to MP over his stance on Israel before attacking synagogue

Former Conservative MP John Howell received threatening emails in 2012 over his position on Israel, after he spoke about the nation's right to defend itself against rocket fire.

Events

6 h. ago Taylor Swift's latest album The Life of a Showgirl receives rave reviews as critics praise her 'sharp and polished' return to pop

The singer's 12th studio album marks a departure from her previous projects both visually and in the recording booth.

Culture

6 h. ago ‘I use cannabis as medicine’: the US basketball player facing execution in Indonesia over $400 of gummies

Unlike his fellow basketball player, Brittney Griner, Jarred Shaw has received scant attention after being arrested for a drugs offence overseasWhen Jarred Shaw, an American basketball player in Indonesia, stepped down to the lobby in his apartment complex earlier this year to collect a package containing illegally imported cannabis gummies, he thought that the medicine to ease his Crohn’s disease had arrived.It had – but so too had 10 undercover police officers. A video on social media shows Shaw, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, shouting for help as the swarm of officers move to apprehend him.The Indonesian National Police did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Continue reading...

Sport

6 h. ago New apprentices officially start their careers in North Lanarkshire

Mears has taken on 36 new apprentices in North Lanarkshire, showing its ongoing commitment to training skilled workers for the future.

Politics