Despite these announcements, we still don’t know much about the game itself. We know it’s set in the open world of Leonida, based on Florida, which will include a new version of Vice City, and that it will centre around two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, but that’s about it.
If you’ve played any prior GTA game, you can probably fill in most of the blanks gameplay-wise (stealing cars, heists, mowing down civilians, etc.), but some Brazilian retailers appear to have outed some new details.
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According to the GTA 6 listing on Amazon Brazil, the sequel will see players ‘switch between Jason and Lucia during the story and participate in missions as a duo’. GTA 5 operates similarly, with its three different characters, so this isn’t too surprising.
It also promises ‘NPCs [non-player characters] with their own routines’ and ‘random events’, which suggests the world itself will be even more dynamic than Rockstar’s last game, Red Dead Redemption 2.
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The biggest new nugget of information is the emphasis on ‘integrated social networks’, which will allow you to ‘watch viral videos, follow influencers, and discover world events through your in-game mobile phone’.
Pre-orders opened this week (Rockstar Games)
In prior GTA games, you use a phone to call characters and instigate missions. GTA 5 also had a social media parody called Lifeinvader but it was more window dressing than an integral mechanic. However, this description implies social media will play a bigger role in GTA 6.
This emphasis on in-game networking is also a key focus on another Brazilian listing. According to Kabum (translated via Reddit), your mobile phone in GTA 6 will ‘consume viral videos in real-time, allowing you to follow Vice City influencers and discover secret side missions’.
The same description similarly emphasises the push for ‘organic random events across the map’, and states Jason and Lucia will possess ‘unique abilities that directly influence the criminal ecosystem and the tactical intelligence of the missions’.
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Other details mentioned include ‘advanced lighting, dynamic climate, more natural animations and high level of detail in the environments’, with ‘storms and time changes that change physics and gameplay’.
It’s unclear whether these descriptions are legitimate or not (the Amazon UK listing doesn’t have any of these details), but there is a lot of shared information between them and they are pretty specific – so it certainly sounds like they’re real.
If these descriptions are being sent to retailers though, this raises the question of whether another trailer could be imminent, to confirm the gameplay mechanics. With pre-orders now locked in, a trailer wouldn’t be a bad idea to cap off all the buzz from this week (or distract from the negativity around the lack of physical discs).
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GTA 6 looks set to be the biggest game of the year, but there’s some concern among retailers that there will not be enough PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles to meet the demand when it does launch.
As reported by The Game Business, an anonymous senior games buyer said due to the component crisis, their store wouldn’t be ‘getting the units we want ahead of GTA’, adding: ‘Demand will likely outstrip supply during the year end period.’
Catalina Birlea was killed at an address in Cambridge on October 2, 2025
13:20, 26 Jun 2026Updated 13:26, 26 Jun 2026
A man has been found guiltyof murdering a woman in Cambridge. Jurors found Jon Ismaili, 34, guilty of murder after nine hours of deliberation at Cambridge Crown Court.
Ismaili, of School Lane, Waterbeach, killed Catalina Birlea at a property in Chesterton Road on October 2, 2025. The court heard that Ismaili travelled to where Catalina was staying at around 8.50am.
He stayed in the house for around two hours, covering his face from CCTV cameras when he left. Around an hour and a half later, a friend entered the Chesterton Road property and found Catalina unresponsive.
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Emergency services were called and despite best efforts, Catalina was pronounced dead at the scene. A manhunt was launched to find Ismaili and he was arrested on October 5.
Phone data showed Catalina’s phone had been connected to the local area around his home after the murder. A post-mortem concluded that Catalina died as a result of compression of the neck.
During interview, Ismaili made no comment and pleaded not guilty to murder. He will be sentenced on June 29.
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Detective Inspector Mark Dollard said: “Only Ismaili knows what happened at the property that morning and why he murdered Catalina.
“He left the house knowing exactly what he had done, covering his face and actively avoiding police. I am pleased officers were able to catch up with him so quickly through diligent detective work putting together a comprehensive investigation.
“Catalina was working as a sex worker that morning, and this case underlines the risks faced by those in this industry. To those working in the sex industry who have experienced violence please report it to the police. We will listen, we will investigate without prejudice and we will support you.”
Of all the wearable tech I’ve tried this year, the Oura Ring is the one I’ve found most useful—and the only one I’ve continued to wear. It tracks my immune function, resilience to stress, and, most importantly, reminds me when it’s time to prioritise sleep.
One particularly useful feature is Cycle Insights, which uses temperature deviations to accurately track, predict, and visualise my monthly cycle. Even better, it syncs seamlessly with apps like Natural Cycles. Oura Ring members can transfer their overnight temperature trend data into the Natural Cycles app each morning, where it’s analysed by the app’s algorithm to calculate daily fertility status.
Now, you can get the ring at its lowest ever price – the black colourway costs less than £200 until tomorrow.
Dr Suzanne Moyes has explained the action all small animal owners need to be taking
Neil Shaw Assistant Editor
13:28, 26 Jun 2026
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As temperatures continue to stay well above average, veterinary experts are warning that rabbits and guinea pigs are at particular risk of heatstroke because, unlike dogs, they cannot pant effectively to cool themselves down.
To help owners protect their pets, Burgess Pet Care’s in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes, has shared advice for keeping small animals safe during hot weather.
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Dr Moyes said: “Sadly, pets die every year from heatstroke. Small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable because they have dense fur, cannot pant or sweat efficiently, and often live in enclosed spaces.
“With nearly 40% housing their small animals inside in summer, owners of small pets must take action this summer to keep their furry companions cool, happy, and healthy.”
What can small animal owners do to prevent heatstroke this summer?
1. Move outdoor enclosures to a shaded part of your garden
Dr Moyes said: “Direct exposure to the sun on hot days can be very dangerous for small animals that live outdoors, like rabbits. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency for rabbits, as they are unable to sweat or pant efficiently to reduce their body temperature. If possible, move your pet’s enclosure out of the sun. Don’t forget that the sun will move throughout the day, so you’ll need to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not exposed.”
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2. Drape cold, damp towels over hutches
“If you’re unable to move the outdoor enclosure out of the sun, a good alternative is to drape a damp towel over the top. This will not only keep the sun out but also actively help to cool animals down. You can do this for small animals that live indoors as well. Always make sure the towel is well wrung-out and only damp, not wet. Guinea pigs in particular are very sensitive to temperature changes and could even go into shock if they get wet and aren’t dried thoroughly.”
3. Beat the heat with plenty of hay
“In the wild, during hot spells, small pets would naturally seek the safety of their cool burrows. Making sure their shelter is filled with plenty of high-quality feeding hay can act as insulation whilst allowing your animal to eat in the shade.”
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4. Stroke fur with a cool, damp flannel
“Stroking your rabbits’ or guinea pigs’ fur with a cool, damp flannel can also provide some relief during a heatwave. With rabbits, focus on carefully dampening their ears, this is the part of their body that they lose heat from.”
5. Clean the enclosure regularly
“Cleaning the enclosure regularly is especially important when the weather is hot. This can reduce the risk of flies and unwanted insects being attracted to them and help prevent flystrike, a painful, sometimes fatal condition caused by flies laying eggs in their host’s flesh. Remove any uneaten vegetables as soon as possible, as these can start to rot quickly in hot weather, attracting flies to your small animal houses and shelters.”
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6. Always avoid giving small pets a cool bath
“It may be tempting to give small animals a cold bath to cool them down, but this is a big no-no, especially for guinea pigs. Not only is bathing very stressful for them, but it can also cause their small, sensitive bodies to go into shock.”
WWE returns to Saudi Arabia (Picture: Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images)
This weekend, WWE returns to Saudi Arabia for Night of Champions 2026.
As part of the wrestling giant’s ongoing 10-year partnership with the kingdom, the likes of Cody Rhodes, Oba Femi and Trick Williams are heading to Riyadh for a blockbuster event.
There had been some speculation from fans earlier in the year about whether or not the event would go ahead given the current state of the world, but WWE has pushed on with its plans.
It marks the 15th major WWE event in Saudi Arabia so far, following February’s Royal Rumble, while the first WrestleMania outside North America will be in Riyadh in April 2027.
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This evening, the company has loaded the six-match card with three championship bouts, a Steel Cage grudge match, and both the King and Queen of the Ring tournament finals.
The Night of Champions card has massive implications for the future of WWE, with plenty at stake, so here’s everything you need to know.
When is WWE Night of Champions 2026?
WWE Night of Champions will stream tomorrow evening (Saturday, June 27), at 6pm for fans in the UK.
The special early start time means it’s a 1pm ET/10am PT kickoff for US fans.
You know the drill by now, but if not, it’s quite simple.
With the exception of Saturday Night’s Main Event, almost every single WWE event is available live or on demand via Netflix, and Night of Champions is no different.
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It’s all part of your regular subscription, meaning it’s as easy as logging in, hitting play, and enjoying the action.
For most of the world outside the US, WWE on Netflix includes a wealth of WWE content, including live weekly episodes of Raw, NXT and
SmackDown, plus monthly PLEs and hundreds of historic events. There’s also a behind-the-scenes series, with tell-all documentary WWE Unreal returning in July for season 3, featuring the likes of John Cena, Matt Cardona, CM Punk and Liv Morgan.
It’s going to be an exciting night (Picture: Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
WWE Night of Champions 2026 full match card
WWE Title: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. GUNTHER vs. Sami Zayn
WWE Women’s United States Title: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
WWE United States Title: Trick Williams (c) vs. Ricky Saints
King of the Ring Final: Jey Uso vs. Oba Femi
Queen of the Ring Final: Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan
Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
Will WrestleMania come to the UK?
Metro’s WWE expert Alistair McGeorge weighs in on the chances of WrestleMania in Europe.
WWE just wrapped up another UK tour, and with that comes fresh chatter about the prospect of WrestleMania heading our way.
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There was plenty of conversation around the idea of a European Mania following 2022’s Clash At The Castle in Cardiff, 2023’s Money In The Bank in London, and 2024’s iconic Backlash event in Lyon, France.
Since then, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has voiced his support for bringing the massive event to the capital, although the money WWE typically expects for a show of this scale could be a stumbling block.
In Sheffield earlier this week, Cody Rhodes gave a passionate speech where he admitted he probably only has five years left as an active wrestler before he hangs up his boots, and he’s adamant the UK should get a WrestleMania before he heads off into the sunset.
The earliest it could happen is 2028, despite previous rumblings about Nashville being lined up as the show could return to the US after Saudi Arabia gets the first international Mania in 2027.
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I’ve said it before, but mainland Europe – particularly crowds in Italy, Spain, France and Germany – have overtaken us Brits in terms of wild, passionate and creative crowds.
There are logistical issues in the UK when it comes to stadium availability and weather in April, but nothing can be ruled out. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, because Cody’s recent comments prove that it’s still on people’s minds inside WWE.
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Sorry Jey (Picture: Kevin Sabitus/WWE via Getty Images)
Why Jey Uso should not win King of the Ring
Metro’s WWE expert Alistair McGeorge breaks down the polarising match
Look, Jey Uso is undoubtedly a huge star for WWE.
I was at SmackDown in London earlier this week, yeet-ing along with the rest of The O2 (which will air tonight), and without giving too much away, he got a great reaction.
I’ll even admit there’s plenty of interesting matches if he wins King of the Ring, between a family feud with Roman Reigns, to all his history with the likes of GUNTHER, Sami Zayn and former tag partner Cody Rhodes.
I’m almost arguing against myself, as there’s an embarrassment of riches waiting if he gets the crowd and secures himself a world championship match at SummerSlam in August.
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But… he’s no Oba Femi.
WWE needs to turn the future into the now, and back the likes of Oba (Picture: CMichael Marques/WWE via Getty Images)
WWE needs to turn the future into the now, and back the likes of Oba, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, Kendall Grey and Sol Ruca to become megastars right now.
They’re doing a fine job, but the King of the Ring final is a toughie for WWE to juggle.
The path for Oba is clear either way. If he loses to Jey, it’ll likely be because Brock Lesnar costs him, setting up their rubber match at SummerSlam, where he can retire the Beast for good in his hometown.
However, just imagine if he wins, still retires Brock on night one, before beating Roman Reigns the next night to instantly become WWE’s next breakout megastar, bulletproof and ready made.
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It would be the kind of star-making weekend WWE and wrestling is built on, so let’s see how it plays out.
People receiving the full State Pension have been advised some other changes will go ahead
13:16, 26 Jun 2026Updated 13:18, 26 Jun 2026
The DWP has released a statement regarding a significant change in how the state pension is taxed. State pension payments rise each April thanks to the triple lock policy, which delivered a 4.8 per cent increase to payments this past April.
Under existing rules, state pension payments land in your bank account without any deductions, though they do count as taxable income, much like other earnings such as wages or any private pension income you receive. Should you be required to pay tax on your payments, HMRC can collect this through several methods. These include adjusting your tax code if you have a private pension or are employed, via self assessment if you complete one, or through simple assessment.
However, a report by City AM suggested the Treasury was considering changing this, and was “drawing up plans” to automatically deduct income tax from state pension payments before they are paid out. The report claimed that the Treasury was collaborating with the DWP on proposals to deduct tax at source, similar to how employers deduct work-related taxes from staff wages before transferring them into employee bank accounts.
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DWP statement
The DWP was asked what work is being carried out on such a proposal. A Government spokesperson said: “There has been no change to the tax treatment of the state pension.
State Pensioners to face major tax change
“The Government routinely undertakes research to better understand pensioners’ experiences with the tax system.” However, tax officials are pressing ahead with a significant reform to state pension taxation, which is set to take effect shortly.
Tax changes coming soon
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed at the Autumn Budget 2025 that a new policy would be introduced, ensuring that those whose sole income is the state pension without any additional increments would be exempt from paying income tax. This tax relief measure is necessary as the full new state pension is edging ever closer to the threshold at which income tax becomes payable.
The full new rate currently stands at £241.30 per week, or roughly £12,550 annually, falling just short of the £12,570 personal allowance — the standard maximum amount you can earn each tax year before income tax kicks in.
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State pension payments rise every April, in accordance with the triple lock policy, which increases payments by whichever is highest out of 2.5 per cent, the rate of inflation, or the growth in average earnings. This means the full new state pension will definitely incur a tax bill next year under the current rules.
Treasury statement
The Government was recently asked to provide an update regarding the implementation of this new policy. An HM Treasury spokesperson said: “Anyone whose only income is the full new or basic state pension without any increments will not pay income tax, and we are committed to that over this Parliament.
“By keeping the triple lock, 12 million pensioners will see their income rise by up to £470 this year, and they continue to benefit from the highest personal allowance in the G7.”
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HMRC officials previously said that new legislation would need to be introduced to implement the change. They told the Treasury Committee in January that this could potentially be included in the 2026 autumn finance bill.
New signage at Lesley Abbeycentre in Newtownabbey has teased the opening of a new Popeyes store as construction of the centre’s expansion gets underway.
Although no dates have been confirmed, the sign suggests that the fast food store is “coming soon”.
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It comes after Bloomfield Shopping Centre in Bangor, owned by The Herbert Group who own Forestside and Abbeycentre, confirmed they also would be opening a Popeyes location next year.
Popeyes has also submitted plans to Belfast City Council to open a store in the heart of the city centre, hoping open its doors in the former GAME store on Castle Place.
Customers can expect chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, hot wings, wraps and more when they open the doors of their new locations.
Husna Anjum Senior Live News Reporter and Samuel Kalantzis
12:42, 26 Jun 2026
A body has tragically been found after reports a teenage boy entered a lake. The incident happened yesterday (June 25) in Leicestershire when police were called just after 1.30pm to Meynell Lake, in Fosse Way, Syston.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene. Leicestershire Police confirm specialist dive teams recovered a person from the water today (June 26).
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In a statement posted today police confirm the body was that of the teenager known to have entered the lake. There is no suggestion of any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for a coroner, according to LeicestershireLive.
The statement read: “Specialist police dive teams searching for a teenage boy following reports he entered a lake in Syston yesterday afternoon (Thursday 25 June) have recovered a person from the water. We can confirm it is the teenager known to have entered the lake and his family are being supported specialist officers.
“Police were called just after 1.30pm to Meynell Lake, in Fosse Way. Officers attended along with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service.
“Initial searches were carried out and police divers were called in. There is no suggestion of any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.
Who Dares Cares is back with its wide range of community stalls, Armed Forces and emergency service organisations, historical military displays, children’s activities, inflatables, music and entertainment.
Get along to Calderglen Country Park this weekend for a family fun day hosted by an Armed Forces charity.
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Who Dares Cares is inviting families, veterans, serving personnel, emergency service workers and the wider community to attend its Armed Forces and Emergency Services Family Fun Day on Sunday, June 28.
The event will take place at Calderglen Country Park, from noon until 4pm, bringing together the Armed Forces community, blue light services, families, local organisations and supporters for an afternoon of entertainment, awareness and community spirit.
Entry is free, with donations welcome on the day to support the ongoing work of Who Dares Cares. Wristbands will also be available for children’s inflatables.
The family fun day will include a wide range of community stalls, Armed Forces and emergency service organisations, historical military displays, children’s activities, inflatables, music, entertainment and opportunities for the public to learn more about the support available to veterans, emergency service personnel and their families.
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Who Dares Cares is a charity which supports the Armed Forces, veterans, blue light services and their families who may be affected by PTSD, trauma, isolation, bereavement or other challenges linked to service life.
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