Richard Holden has written to transport secretary Heidi Alexander asking for action to be taken on the A303 traffic problems

A senior politician has called for urgent action on the A303 following a fact-finding visit to villages surrounding Stonehenge. Richard Holden, the shadow transport secretary, wrote to his government counterpart, Swindon South MP and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, urging action in the wake of the scrapped £2bn Stonehenge Tunnel project.

Mr Holden visited communities in the Stonehenge area at the invitation of Dr Monica Devendran, the Wiltshire Councillor for Amesbury West.

During his visit, Mr Holden said there was “a clear and consistent concern that the underlying transport problems affecting communities along the A303 corridor have not gone away”.

In his letter, he wrote: “Residents are particularly concerned that, despite the cancellation of the scheme, there appears to have been little consideration given to mitigating the continuing impact of congestion and the increasing volume of diversion traffic through surrounding villages.”

He highlighted a recurring issue of “the routine rerouting of traffic by satellite navigation services through villages such as Shrewton, Berwick St James and other nearby communities whenever congestion or incidents occur on the A303”.

Locals, he said, “described the resulting rat-running as causing severe congestion, speeding, noise, pedestrian safety risks and disruption to local businesses.

“In many cases, these roads are simply not designed to accommodate such volumes of through traffic,” he added. Mr Holden called on the Department for Transport to engage with Google Maps and other mapping services “to reduce unnecessary routing of strategic traffic through unsuitable villages wherever practicable”.

He said: “It is clear that local communities feel current navigation algorithms are exacerbating an already difficult situation, particularly following the cancellation of the improvement scheme.”

He also voiced concern that “no credible alternative has yet been put forward to address congestion, improve resilience along the A303 corridor, or reduce the impact of diversion traffic on neighbouring villages when issues do occur”.

He also called for “secure, sensible and low-cost mitigations, such as screening” to “stop people dangerously slowing down, pulling over, hanging out of windows, or standing up through sunroofs, often with children, to take photographs of Stonehenge”.

The A303 Amesbury-to-Berwick Down highway scheme, which included proposals to divert the arterial route through a tunnel past Stonehenge, was scrapped by the incoming Labour Government in July 2024 as part of a review of unfunded or unaffordable transport commitments.

The Government subsequently brought the project to a formal close when Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander revoked its Development Consent Order, citing “exceptional circumstances”, a substantial change in deliverability, and the scheme’s failure to align with current strategic policy objectives.

At the point the scheme was halted, the estimated cost stood at between £1.4bn and £1.7bn, with £179.2m already spent on planning, design and development by the time the project was abandoned.

In May, a motion put forward to Wiltshire Council by Cllr Devendran was passed by 91 votes to one, compelling council leader Ian Thorn to write to Ms Alexander regarding A303 traffic concerns.

Cllr Thorn said he would “drive to Swindon and talk to her myself” about the issue.

This week, Cllr Devendran told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I will continue pressing the Government, National Highways and relevant stakeholders to ensure local communities are heard and kept informed as this work progresses.

“I thank Richard Holden for visiting Stonehenge, listening directly to residents, and taking the concerns of local communities to the Secretary of State for Transport.”

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CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple’s biggest product event in years is set for Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. ET, marking the first major keynote hosted by new CEO John Ternus and widely expected to include the company’s long-rumored first foldable iPhone.

The event, expected to be titled “Surprise and Shine,” will unfold at Apple Park, with CNET reporters on site to cover announcements as they happen. The presentation follows years of speculation about whether and when Apple would enter the foldable smartphone category, a segment Samsung has occupied since 2019 and one Google has more recently entered with its Pixel Fold lineup.

The rumored foldable device, expected to be called the iPhone Ultra, is anticipated to be joined by updated iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. For the first time in the company’s recent product history, Apple is expected to exclude a base iPhone 18 model from Wednesday’s announcements entirely, reportedly pushing that device, along with a rumored second-generation iPhone Air, to a spring release instead.

Ahead of the event, CNET conducted a consumer sentiment survey examining how much interest, and how much money, U.S. adults are prepared to put toward a foldable iPhone. According to the survey, roughly 1 in 4 U.S. adults, or 25%, expressed interest in a foldable iPhone. However, respondents indicated they were willing to spend an average of just $781 on such a device, a figure that falls well short of the roughly $2,000 price some analysts have projected for the iPhone Ultra. Notably, that $781 average is actually $48 less than the starting price of the base iPhone 17 model, suggesting a significant gap between consumer price expectations and the phone’s likely actual cost, particularly given ongoing RAM shortages and broader rumors of price increases across Apple’s lineup this year.

Some of the clearest hints at the foldable device’s eventual design have come not from Apple itself, but from accessory makers moving quickly to capitalize on public anticipation. Phone accessory company Dbrand has already begun selling skins designed for the rumored iPhone Ultra, alongside skins for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, ahead of any official confirmation from Apple. According to CNET’s review of the products, the iPhone Ultra skins closely track months of leaked design details, featuring a wider form factor similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Analysts have also pointed to last year’s iPhone Air as a possible design precursor for the foldable device. The 5.6-millimeter-thick iPhone Air, while not considered a blockbuster seller on its own, may have served as a proof of concept for the thinner hardware engineering Apple would need to successfully execute a foldable design. Rishi Padhi, a research principal at Gartner, offered his assessment of the Air’s broader significance within Apple’s product strategy.

“The first iPhone Air may eventually be viewed as a transitional step rather than a failed product category,” Padhi said. “It proved that Apple could still make a thinner iPhone.”

Beyond hardware, Wednesday’s event is also expected to showcase Apple’s redesigned Siri assistant, part of the broader iOS 27 update first previewed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June. CNET writer Katelyn Chedraoui, who has used public betas of the new software ahead of its general release, described a marked improvement over the assistant’s previous shortcomings, noting that even longtime skeptical colleagues found the revamped Siri “immediately improved” during testing. The new version is expected to offer significantly better understanding of natural voice commands and improved general knowledge, drawing on generative AI advances that have reshaped digital assistants industrywide over the past several years.

Other anticipated announcements for Wednesday include updated Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models, new AirPods, refreshed Mac hardware, and an updated Apple TV 4K streaming device. CNET’s coverage has also floated the possibility of a new camera pro mode within iOS, giving users more granular manual controls similar to features already found on some Android devices, along with speculation about whether Apple might adopt newer silicon-carbon battery technology already used by some Android manufacturers, including OnePlus, Motorola and Samsung, to boost battery capacity without increasing the physical size of its devices.

Pricing remains one of the most closely watched open questions heading into the event. Even setting aside the foldable device specifically, some analysts have suggested that if Apple pursues previously rumored price increases across its standard lineup, the cheapest new iPhone unveiled at Wednesday’s event could carry a starting price around $1,100, a notable jump from prior years’ entry-level pricing for Apple’s Pro-tier devices.

Wednesday’s presentation carries particular symbolic weight as Ternus’s first major public event since formally succeeding Tim Cook as Apple’s chief executive on Sept. 1. Given that all specific product details remain unconfirmed ahead of the keynote, based only on analyst predictions, leaked design mockups and third-party accessory listings rather than official company statements, Wednesday’s presentation is expected to finally resolve months of accumulated speculation, offering the clearest picture yet of how aggressively Apple intends to compete in the foldable smartphone category against established rivals, and what pricing strategy the company plans to pursue across its broader fall lineup heading into the holiday shopping season.

SINGAPORE, September 07, 2026 – Despite the Middle East energy shock, growth of the Thailand’s economy has been better than expected, supported by investment, fiscal spending and technology exports. However, growth remains uneven; technology-linked sectors have expanded strongly while traditional industries, particularly the SME segments, remain weak.

The current wave of FDI- and technology-driven investment offers Thailand a major opportunity to lift its growth potential and accelerate its economic transformation. Realizing this opportunity will require proactive measures to broaden its spillovers to productivity, employment and income across the economy.

This preliminary assessment follows AMRO’s Annual Consultation Visit to Thailand from August 24 to September 4, 2026. The mission was led by Group Head and Lead Economist Allen Ng, with AMRO Director/CEO Yasuto Watanabe and Chief Economist Dong He joining policy meetings with the authorities.

Economic developments and outlook

“Growth is projected at 2.4 percent in both 2026 and 2027, supported by continued private investment, fiscal spending and technology-related exports,” said Ng. “The priority now is to harness the current investment wave to drive broader economic transformation by deepening domestic linkages, boosting productivity, creating jobs, and raising incomes.”

FDI-backed projects, particularly in digital infrastructure and electronics, continued to strengthen the investment cycle in the first half of 2026. The investment pipeline could support medium-term growth, but the benefits have yet to spread widely across domestic firms and workers.

Headline inflation is projected at 1.6 percent in 2026 and 1.3 percent in 2027. Price pressures should remain contained as the energy price increase following the Middle East conflict recedes, although cost pass-through and food prices warrant monitoring.

Risks and vulnerabilities

Risks remain tilted to the downside, as reliance on a narrow set of drivers leaves the outlook vulnerable to external and domestic shocks. A sharp slowdown in global AI and technology-related activity could weaken exports, FDI and investment, while further weakness in household incomes and vulnerable sectors could become self-reinforcing. Energy, trade and weather shocks would pose additional headwinds.

On the upside, stronger external demand and investment activity, alongside wider domestic spillovers could lift growth above the baseline.

Source : Thailand: From Investment-Led Growth to Broad-Based Transformation – ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office – AMRO ASIA

KANSAS CITY — Companies are expanding classic brand portfolios with innovations.

The Campbell’s Co. is adding electrolytes to its V8 Energy line. The beverage line is offered in drink mix sticks and ready-to-drink canned formats. The drink mixes contain magnesium and vitamins A, C, E and B. The canned beverages are formulated with potassium, electrolytes and B vitamins. Both formats are available in lemon lime, strawberry passionfruit and white peach flavors, and each flavor contains 80 mg of caffeine.

The Hershey Co. is adding creme-filled chocolate bars to its Hershey candy bar line. Hershey’s Creme Bars are available in salted caramel and affogato varieties.

Mars, Inc. is innovating its Pringles line with Pringles Dippers. The chip innovation is a thicker, sturdier and wavier crisp intended for dipping, according to the company. The chips are offered in flavors such as original, french onion and bacon cheddar.

“We know it can be frustrating if your typical salty dipping vessel prevents your perfect scoop or breaks as you dip, which is why we’ve created Pringles Dippers,” said Eileen Flaherty-Yao, senior director of salty, Mars Snacking North America. “Our iconic parabolic shape is now thicker and wavier than ever — built to handle any dipping style from light dips to heavy scoops.” 

View slideshow of more new products on the shelves

‘Warwick Mill is an important landmark in Middleton and serves as a striking visual reminder of the area’s rich history’

Middleton’s historic Warwick Mill is to be bought by the council.

The Grade-II listed building, built in 1907, is an eyesore in the town and has sat empty for a decade. A number of schemes to breathe new life into the site have been mooted in recent years, but have never come to fruition.

With the mill deteriorating further, town hall bosses have made the decision to buy the land in order to push through redevelopment. It is understood the site would be transformed into housing, complimenting the impending regeneration of the town.

Middleton is set to become the centre of a huge redevelopment project, driven by the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). Responses from a recent consultation that will shape the MDC’s vision for the area’s future galvanised the council’s decision on the historic site.

The Warwick Mill announcement was made at an event at Middleton Arena to bring the community together and update them on the ‘our town, our future’ engagement exercise and the formation of the MDC. The site purchase includes the London House building next door to Warwick Mill, which Rochdale council leader Neil Emmottt said would be demolished before Christmas.

The town hall boss also announced £750,000 of the government’s Pride in Place funding will go towards the maintenance and repair of the mill itself, which is rapidly deteriorating.

Coun Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Warwick Mill is an important landmark in Middleton and serves as a striking visual reminder of the area’s rich history as a major player in the global cotton trade. It also represents a huge regeneration opportunity and a chance to really revitalise this key part of the town centre.

“Middleton’s MDC will be based on cooperative values, with the community, businesses, voluntary sector, council and GMCA all working together to bring about positive changes. The desire to bring Warwick Mill back into use came through very clearly in the engagement exercise and we’ve responded to this.

“We’re keen to honour Middleton’s proud heritage as we continue to forge a new and exciting future for this special place.”

The event in Middleton Arena, which was attended by Steve Coogan, Rose Marley and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig gave residents an insight into what people had said they wanted to see in Middleton, and, crucially, what the next steps will be.

Rose Marley, co-chair of Middleton Co-operative Mayoral Development Corporation, said: “More than 2,000 people gave their time to Our Town, Our Future – the biggest conversation Middleton has ever had about its own future. What came back was clear: people want to see regeneration done with Middleton, not to Middleton.

“That’s what this event was about. Middleton people, Middleton businesses, Rochdale Borough Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, all pulling in the same direction. Co-operation at every level, from local government to the family who filled in a survey on their phone.

“The Middleton Co-operative Mayoral Development Corporation will help to carry that mandate forward: into the town’s housing, transport, green spaces and public buildings – Warwick Mill among them – and into every decision still to be made. This is co-operation in its truest sense, and it’s how Middleton’s future should be built.”

A feasibility study to determine future uses for the building is ongoing and the community will be consulted on final plans for the building.

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

A Singaporean man pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a racketeering conspiracy charge in the US for organising one of the biggest ever cryptocurrency thefts.

Malone Lam admitted to teaming up with friends to steal $245m (£181m) of bitcoin and laundering the proceeds.

The 22-year-old and his associates used the money to spend up to $500,000 a visit to nightclubs, according to the US Department of Justice (DOJ). It also said they bought a fleet of exotic cars, ranging in value from $100,000 to $3.8m.

Lam faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly did not immediately schedule a sentencing hearing for him.

“If you build a cybercrime empire, we will find you, dismantle your operation, and hold you accountable,” said US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said.

“This defendant led an international network that preyed on victims through deception, invaded their privacy, and stole hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency,” she added.

According to court documents, the conspiracy began no later than October 2023 and continued to at least May 2025.

The co-conspirators – who came from California, Connecticut, New York, Florida, and outside the US – met via online gaming platforms.

The DOJ said Lam – who also went by the names Anne Hathaway, $$$, King Greavy – was the ringleader of the criminal enterprise, who identified victims and coordinated the roles of the different conspirators.

The event will be situated in Lower Gardens and will run alongside other festive events

A proposal has been unveiled to stage an annual winter wonderland event in Bournemouth over the next five years. Plans reveal that the Christmas winter wonderland is set to feature a host of festive attractions, including a walkthrough Christmas tree display, a Christmas tree maze, Wonderland Tipis, an Alpine Chalet, a Christmas train, games stalls, and a variety of Christmas rides.

The event will be situated in Bournemouth Lower Gardens and will run alongside the existing Christmas market and other seasonal events in Bournemouth Square and Pier Approach, bolstering the town centre’s winter tourism and leisure offering.

Documents indicate that the festive event has been running on an annual basis and will remain a key draw for both local residents and visitors.

A design and access statement confirms that the ice rink will operate with nine skating sessions per day, seven days a week, across an anticipated eight-week period, excluding Christmas Day.

In a pre-application enquiry submitted to BCP Council, the principle of such temporary Christmas installations, including an ice rink, was considered “well established” and garnered support from relevant policies on leisure, tourism, and town-centre activities.

According to the documents, the council indicated that should satisfactory supporting information be provided, the subsequent planning application would likely receive officer backing.

Additionally, the council noted that as the proposal constitutes a temporary development, it would be exempt from the statutory BNG requirement, provided all relevant criteria are satisfied.

Last year, Bournemouth Christmas Events lodged a planning application in June 2025 with BCP Council for a temporary Christmas event, which would feature an ice rink, alpine chalet and games stall.

Initially, the decision on the proposals was set to be made by officers, however, following the felling of a cherry tree — which triggered a ‘strange quirk’ in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation — the proposal was referred to committee with a recommendation to refuse.

BCP’s eastern planning committee opted to refer the application back to officers, affording the applicant additional time to address outstanding issues relating to BNG.

BCP Council had not reached a formal decision on the application before it was withdrawn on January 7 this year, following the conclusion of the event.

The event is anticipated to run from mid-November through to the beginning of January, with precise dates subject to approval.

The plans are currently out for consultation until October 2.