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Less Than A Quarter Of Brits Support Farage By-Election Move

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Less Than A Quarter Of Brits Support Farage By-Election Move

Less than quarter of Brits support Nigel Farage’s decision to trigger a by-election in Clacton, according to a poll.

YouGov found just 24% of 7,744 respondents support the Reform UK leader’s attempt to call a “people versus the establishment” contest.

Meanwhile, 43% oppose Farage for standing down as Clacton MP and then standing for re-election.

The findings are a blow to the Reform leader, who is already facing humiliation after the only other candidate who said they would take part in the by-election is Count Binface.

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Farage has been under intense scrutiny since it emerged in April that he received a £5 million gift from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne before he ran to be an MP in 2024.

He is now facing a sleaze probe into whether that huge lump sum should have been declared to parliament.

If found guilty he could be suspended from the Commons – potentially triggering a second by-election later in the year.

Parliamentary commissioner for standards Daniel Greenberg has been encouraged to launch a second probe into the financial support Farage accepted from convicted criminal George Cottrell before he joined parliament.

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New MPs must register any gifts worth more than £300 they received in the previous 12 months, except where the gift “could not be reasonably thought by others” to relate to their political activities, according to parliamentary rules.

Farage has denied any wrongdoing and claimed he is the victim of “an establishment hit job”.

YouGov also found 60% of Brits think Farage has not been honest about his finances while just 12% think he has.

Among Reform’s 2024 voters, 40% said they think he has been honest while 22% think he has not been.

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It currently looks like Farage will only be fighting against comedy candidate Count Binface after Labour, the Tories, the Green Party, Restore Britain and the Lib Dems have all chosen not to field their own representatives.

PM Keir Starmer dismissed the contest as a “circus” while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called it a “fake” by-election and a distraction.

The Lib Dems’ Ed Davey called on all parties to “refuse to give oxygen to Farage’s vanity project”.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: “This is a desperate stunt from a desperate politician whose lifetime of grifting is finally catching up with him. Greens will play no part in his political circus.”

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Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.

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Multiple streets closed as emergency services respond to serious incident in Swansea

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Wales Online

Police have closed several roads after a serious incident in Swansea.

South Wales Police said the incident happened in Pen Cae Crwn Road in Gorseinon at around 12.58pm on Thursday.

A significant police presence remains in the area while emergency services continue to deal with the incident.

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The Welsh Ambulance Service has said it was called to two incidents just minutes apart.

“We were called today at 12.59pm to an incident in Gorseinon,” a spokesman said.

“We sent one Cymru High Acuity Response Unit and an emergency ambulance to the scene. Advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in a Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter. One patient was conveyed by road to hospital.

“Additionally we were called at 1.10pm to another incident in Gorseinon. We sent one Cymru High Acuity Response Unit, a duty operations manager, and an emergency ambulance to the scene.” For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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A number of road closures are currently in place.

Pen Cae Crwn Road is closed between Cecil Road, from the junction with High Street and the junction with Frampton Road.

Brighton Road, Brynteg Road, and Pontardulais Road are also closed with no access from any direction.

The closures are expected to remain in place for some time.

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Jersey to legalise assisted dying after law granted Royal Assent

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Campaigners for assisted dying holding a large purple "Give me choice over my death" and placards outside a grey building, the States Chamber.

In November 2021, Jersey’s States Assembly became the first parliament in the British Isles to decide “in principle” that assisted dying should be allowed.

In May 2024 it voted in favour of drawing up laws for an assisted dying service after the government said it “intends to bring forward proposals without further delay”.

In February this year 32 politicians voted in favour of the law with 16 voting against.

At the time Binet, said: “Jersey would have one of the safest and most transparent assisted dying laws in the world.”

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Under the law, eligibility for an assisted death requires someone to be at least 18-years-old.

They must also have been resident in Jersey for at least 12 months, to have a voluntary, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and be terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months, or 12 months if they have a neurodegenerative disease.

Government of Jersey said there was an assisted dying capacity test which states that the doctor must be satisfied that the individual is able to:

  • receive the information given to them or advice about their assisted dying decision

  • understand the information and all matters relevant to their decision, including the effect of their decision

  • retain the information for long enough to make their decision

  • weigh up information for the purposes of making their decision

  • communicate their decision clearly

The person may require communication support to do what was required in the capacity test.​

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As a Crown Dependency, for primary legislation to get Royal Assent and therefore formally become law in Jersey, the Ministry of Justice and the Lord Chancellor – currently David Lammy – ensure the proposed laws do not conflict with fundamental rights or international rules and then recommending to the Privy Council that assent should be granted.

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Harrogate Brewery wins with CAMRA for its Nidd Mild ale

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Harrogate Brewery wins with CAMRA for its Nidd Mild ale

The Harrogate Brewing Company won Silver in the Milds Category in the 026 Champion Beer of Britain Awards, organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The competition is one of the UK’s most respected beer awards, with breweries from across the country fighting for national honours.

Royal Parade owners Joe and Julie Joyce marked their success by raising a pint outside the Harrogate venue, proudly displaying the award certificate.

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Joe says all his beers are good and his Nidd Mild has won other awards, including a SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers and Associates) Gold award last year.

Joe told the Press: “It’s a traditional Mild, 3.7% ABV, using fuggles and other hops. Dark beers are having a renaissance and you can drink them all-year-round, not just winter.”

One drinker posted on the brewery’s Facebook page, which announced the award success: “That Nidd Mild is a cracking pint.. well deserved award.”

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Another said: “Well done! You’re doing a fantastic job with your brewery.”

The Harrogate Brewing Company has also produced a ‘Great Yorkshire Beer’ in association with Fodders for the Great Yorkshire Show.

Joe said: “It’s been showcased at the Great Yorkshire. It’s a 3.8% easy drinking session pale ale using citra and mosaic hops.”

Last year, the Harrogate Brewing Company took over the former Old Bell inn on Royal Parade, creating the Harrogate Brewing Company Royal Parade.

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The brewery has now completed the conversion of former offices that were used by previous owners, Market Town Taverns into three Air BnBs, known as Royal 6 Apartments.

Joe added: “We have gone full-circle with the accommodation, back to a traditional coaching inn with rooms.”

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Henry Nowak killer Vickrum Digwa and his brother and father plead not guilty to multiple weapons offences

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Moga Singh tried to cover his face from photographers as he arrived at Southampton Magistrates' Court today

The Sikh man who murdered student Henry Nowak with a dagger has denied a string of charges relating to the possession of an arsenal of 55 offensive weapons.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, who was jailed for life last month for murdering Henry, 18, denied owning weapons including two flick knives, an extendable baton, eight knuckle dusters, three machetes, a traditional Japanese weapon, three ninja swords and 37 other swords.

Vickrum appeared remotely from Frankland Prison in County Durham today at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, alongside his brother, 27-year-old Gurpreet Digwa, and his father, 52-year-old Moga Singh, who have also been charged with owning illegal weapons at their home in Southampton.

The alleged weapons offences took place on December 4, 2025, at the family’s home on St Denys Road in the Hampshire city.

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One of the weapons Vickrum is accused of possessing, a manriki-gusari, a traditional Japanese weapon that includes a weighted metal chain.

Gurpreet denied charges of possessing an offensive weapon, namely an extendable baton, an axe and a kirpan that were found in a car parked on Belmont Road in Southampton, and is also charged with possessing an air weapon on Belmont Road.

Moga Singh tried to cover his face from photographers as he arrived at Southampton Magistrates’ Court today

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Singh, father of Henry Nowak's murderer Vickrum Digwa, was charged with a string of weapons offences

Singh, father of Henry Nowak’s murderer Vickrum Digwa, was charged with a string of weapons offences

As was his other son, Gurpreet Digwa, who also tried to hide his face as he entered court today

As was his other son, Gurpreet Digwa, who also tried to hide his face as he entered court today

Digwa wore his coat done up and a hood over his head, while his face was covered by a mask, despite the baking temperatures in Southampton

Digwa wore his coat done up and a hood over his head, while his face was covered by a mask, despite the baking temperatures in Southampton

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years in prison before release for the murder of Henry Nowak on a night out in Southampton last December

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years in prison before release for the murder of Henry Nowak on a night out in Southampton last December

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The trio also face charges of possessing three push daggers in a public place, but did not enter pleas for these charges.

District Judge Henry Gordon said: ‘You all pleaded not guilty to the charges that were put before the court.’

He said their trial would be held on September 27 next year.

Gurpreet and Moga  who both sought to cover their faces as they entered the court building – were released on bail. Vickrum appeared via video link from HMP Frankland in County Durham.

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Henry died in police handcuffs on a night out in December last year after a chance encounter with Vickrum Digwa as the first-year student – alone, unarmed, and with only a trace of alcohol in his system – made his way home.

A brief tussle ensued after Digwa took Henry’s phone, then Digwa removed his dagger from his sheath, which he carried in accordance with his faith, and plunged it 8cm (3.5in) into the victim’s chest.

Digwa further stabbed Henry twice to the leg, and once in the abdomen, while the victim also sustained a slash mark to his face.

Digwa, with brother Gurpreet arriving on the scene shortly after the attack, then filmed Henry as he attempted to get away from his attacker.

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Mr Nowak died after being attacked by Vickrum Digwa as he made his way home following a night out in Southampton, where he was a first-year university student

Mr Nowak died after being attacked by Vickrum Digwa as he made his way home following a night out in Southampton, where he was a first-year university student

The trio appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court for a plea hearing today

The trio appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court for a plea hearing today

Singh tried to cover his face from photographers as he attended a previous hearing with his son Gurpreet last month

Singh tried to cover his face from photographers as he attended a previous hearing with his son Gurpreet last month

Digwa lied when police turned up a short time later, falsely claiming that Henry was the attacker, had punched and kicked Digwa, knocked his turban off, and had made a racist remark.

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Hampshire Police officers then placed mortally wounded Henry into handcuffs, despite his desperate pleas – captured on police bodycam – that he had been stabbed.

He also told officers he could not breathe as he lay dying, but they did not listen.

One officer replied: ‘I don’t think you have, mate.’

He and a second officer are currently under investigation for potential gross misconduct.

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Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, and father Singh had by now arrived at the scene, and Digwa secretly told his mother to take the dagger home.

Kaur, 53, is due to be sentenced next week for assisting an offender. 

Digwa was later secretly recorded speaking in Punjabi to Gurpreet, in which the attacker agreed to pretend he had acted in self-defence even though he earlier confessed to his brother he had stabbed Henry.

He also told Gurpreet that if there were any cameras at the scene he would be unable to put forward self-defence.

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Digwa was handed a life sentence in June this year with a minimum term of 21 years before being considered eligible for parole.

Judge William Mousley KC told the defendant, who showed no emotion: ‘In addition to killing Henry, and the irreparable harm to those close to him, you have also caused real suffering to others who knew him.

‘You have brought shame upon your family, your community and your religion.

‘Your actions have stirred up racial tension in Southampton and across the country which have made many Sikhs worried about their own safety even though they have done absolutely nothing wrong.’

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He described Henry, the first in his family to attend university, as a ‘much-loved, kind, hard-working and ambitious young man, devoted to his family and with a bright future’.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously said he ‘felt sick’ watching footage of police handcuffing Henry as he lay dying, and that there are ‘serious questions’ to answer about the case.

The footage also prompted large protests in the streets.

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A royally good game! Prince William conquers crazy golf course in Hastings…and outplays Tim Vine and Fern Britton

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The Prince of Wales soared to the top of a celebrity leaderboard at a Hastings seafront crazy golf course, after taking on the famous windmill hole

The Prince of Wales soared to the top of a celebrity leaderboard at a Hastings seafront crazy golf course, after taking on the famous windmill hole.

The Prince, who said he had played mini golf with his family before, played five holes at Hastings Adventure Golf as part of a day out with local young people.

The Hastings course was home to the 2026 World Crazy Golf Championships in June, with competitors from around the world all vying for the sport’s largest prize fund.

Joining teenagers on the seafront, as a small crowd watched, he did not manage a hole in one, but finished respectably.

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After the Prince had left at the end of the engagement, the mini golfers averaged his score out across the usual 18 holes, saying that he might have made it in 33 but that they would settle on 35 as a conservative estimate.

The number would place him at the top of a celebrity leaderboard, with comedian Tim Vine in second place with 37, then comedian Henning Wehn with 39, magician John Archer at 41 and presenter and author Fern Britton at 45 – all have played the full 18 holes.

The Prince was introduced to the traditional course by expert players David and Marion Hartley, members of Hastings Mini Golf Club who managed the course for 14 years before they retired, and Murray Thompson, who came second in the World Mini Golf Championships last year.

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The Prince of Wales soared to the top of a celebrity leaderboard at a Hastings seafront crazy golf course, after taking on the famous windmill hole

Mr and Mrs Hartley, who are 74 and 75 respectively and both among the country’s leading players, joked that they would not be going easy on the Prince, but would give him tips ‘if he asked’.

The Prince had made it known to them, via his Kensington Palace team, that he was particularly keen to play the windmill hole, which involves hitting the ball through moving sails to send it through the windmill and into the hole.

He hit the ball through on the second attempt, making it a hole in three.

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He played four other holes in total – two with the experts and two with local young people – taking two attempts each time to hit the ball into the hole.

The Prince joked that ‘next time he would play with a bunch of eight-year-olds, so I might have more chance’.

Mr Thompson, 41, hit hole-in-ones each time. ‘Stop it Murray,’ said the Prince as he watched him repeat the feat. ‘Oh my Lord, Murray!’

Locals had not been aware that the Prince was visiting the mini golf course, with a few dozen people – friends and family of staff – gathering to catch a glimpse of him before words spread.

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The Prince said of his prior mini golf experience with his family: ‘We’ve played a few times. The children love it.’

One player reassured him: ‘We’ll stand back when you swing.’

Prince William in a wooden net shop in the Old Town

Prince William in a wooden net shop in the Old Town

William played crazy golf with young people supported by the local youth charity XTrax

William played crazy golf with young people supported by the local youth charity XTrax 

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The Hastings Adventure Golfo course was home to the 2026 World Crazy Golf Championships in June, with competitors from around the world all vying for the sport's largest prize fund

The Hastings Adventure Golfo course was home to the 2026 World Crazy Golf Championships in June, with competitors from around the world all vying for the sport’s largest prize fund

Prince William also met school children on the beach during his visit to Hastings, East Sussex, to highlight the town's fishing community and the vital work of local youth-led and community-driven organisations

Prince William also met school children on the beach during his visit to Hastings, East Sussex, to highlight the town’s fishing community and the vital work of local youth-led and community-driven organisations

The Prince of Wales with young people and volunteers at the Common Room at Eagle House, which functions as a 'public living room' and youth club

The Prince of Wales with young people and volunteers at the Common Room at Eagle House, which functions as a ‘public living room’ and youth club

 When he potted the golf ball in two goes for the first straightforward hole, the Prince said: ‘Phew.’

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Mrs Hartley gave him some advice for the ‘tricky’ third hole – the Prince took on holes one, three, and five – and he repeated ‘Ok, hug the wood’.

‘You make it look so easy,’ he told his fellow players, as they each got a hole in one through the windmill.

In a second part of the engagement, the Prince met staff and teenagers from Hastings youth charity, XTrax, which works with disadvantaged young people to give them a safe and welcoming space.

He joined five young people to play two extra holes, stopping in between to speak to them quietly and at length about their lives and prospects.

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As he left, he wished them good luck in their job search and promised that he would ‘make sure their opinions are heard and respected’.

‘And put on some suncream,’ he said, laughing, as he left.

As he made his way to a waiting car, he stopped to shake hands with around 100 people who had gathered to see and photograph him.

Among them was four-and-a-half-year-old Thea, who was dressed as a pirate after ‘Pirate Day’ at her playgroup, and was happy to shake hands with a ‘real Prince’.

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Afterwards, Mr and Mrs Hartley and Mr Thompson assessed the Prince’s golfing skills as ‘better than a tourist’.

William talking to fisherman Steve Gurka in the Old Town, during his visit to Hastings

William talking to fisherman Steve Gurka in the Old Town, during his visit to Hastings

He also made the time to greet well-wishers during his trip

He also made the time to greet well-wishers during his trip 

Prince William aboard a fishing boat

Prince William aboard a fishing boat 

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‘Put him under our wing for a few days and he’d be good,’ added Mr Hartley.

‘He’s a lovely man,’ said Mrs Hartley.

Earlier the prince said he was ‘confident’ about England’s chances against Norway this weekend when asked about the football.

The heir-to-the-throne shared his mood when he surprised a class of four and five year olds eating their packed lunches on the beach.

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Parent volunteer Ben Tivey, 40, who was accompanying daughter Tilly, five, and other members of Diamond Class at Cranbrook Church of England Primary School, raised the subject of the World Cup, telling William: ‘Come on England!’

The Prince, smiling broadly, replied: ‘I’m feeling confident.’

The group, who were taking part in their first-ever school trip, were amazed to see the future King stroll past on The Stade, the town’s shingle beach.

Moments earlier, William had been presented with a silver winkle as he became an honorary member of The Winkle Club, a charitable organisation founded by local fishermen in 1900 to support deprived families in the area, which now supports good causes and community groups across the town.

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‘That’s a stunning winkle,’ said the Prince as he admired the gift, adding with a grin, ‘ I will take good care of my winkle.’

William laughed as he was told how members of the Club, known as ‘Winklers’ carry a winkle shell which they must produce when challenged to ‘Winkle Up’. Failure to do so results in a fine, which is donated to local charities.

There is an exemption for anyone ‘in working gear’, he was told.

‘I might do it on the Trooping the Colour,’ he joked.

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Previous holders of the title bestowed by the charitable organisation include Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, the Duke of Kent, Sir Winston Churchill and Field Marshal Lord Montgomery.

The Prince had arrived for a day of engagements in Hastings in style, riding the UK’s steepest funicular railway.

Opened in 1902, the East Hill railway looks out onto Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet on The Stade.

He was greeted by a crowd of wellwishers, including a school party from Germany, several dogs and 15-month-old Sebastian Bowley, who promptly burst into tears when William crouched down to say hello.

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‘I know how you feel,’ said the Prince. ‘It’s hot down here! Are you having a dip?’ he asked locals.

He headed first to a row of historic Net Shops – tall wooden structures built to store fishing nets to protect them from the elements. He was welcomed by Steve Peak, honorary curator of The Fishermen’s Museum, and Stephen Roberts-Pratt, the Museum’s manager and shipkeeper.

William ducked his head to enter the tiny Net Shops Museum, a restored 1835 tower which now leans to one side, but has been made safe by the council.

After hearing about the history of the fishing industry in the town, he headed to the beach to hear more from local fishermen.

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He stopped to chat to Steve Gurka, who was finishing a fishing net by hand before taking it out in the hope of catching Dover Sole.

He also climbed a ladder to board the Senlac Jack, a fishing vessel used to catch Dover Sole to hear more from Paul and other local fishermen

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Whitby Swing Bridge closed until next week, council says

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Whitby Swing Bridge shut for urgent works to tackle problems

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I’ve been to 9 Italian cities, but there’s only one I keep going back to

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I've been to 9 Italian cities, but there's only one I keep going back to
It’s only 40 minutes by train from Florence (Picture: Getty Images)

In a Metro Travel Hot Take, Adam Miller pays tribute to his favourite lesser-visited Italian city that was revealed as one of TikTok’s hottest destinations for 2026.

My great Italian love affair started at a wedding. Or, to be more accurate, because of a wedding.

I’d just watched my friends get married in a fairytale ceremony in Tuscany, and I wanted to round the trip of dreams off with a city break.

Everyone else in our party had the same idea: recover from four days of Prosecco drinking with downtime, dolce vita style. But while they were heading for Florence, two of us broke away to go to Bologna.

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As we said our goodbyes after some of the best days we’d had in years, I started to regret our decision — perhaps we should have followed the gang and gone to Florence, widely hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, to soak up culture, history, and the best prosciutto in the country.

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I’d been dead set on Bologna, though. My well-travelled sister always said it was her favourite city in the world before she died suddenly in 2002, but I never got the chance to ask her why. A quick Google of ‘things to do’ didn’t make it much clearer, either.

I will always choose a city break over a beach holiday or sitting by the pool in a fancy villa.

I need to be constantly stimulated — I love the bustle, the smells, the knowledge that you could stumble across a meal, an exhibition, or a show that changes something fundamental about who you are.

In life, I have very little structure — my day-to-day schedule would strike horror into the hearts of many. But if I’m going to a city, I want a firm plan.

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I want a list of galleries, museums, churches, dinners booked well in advance, and barely a minute unaccounted for. Depending on whether you’re type A or B, I might very well be your nightmare travel companion.

What can you do in Bologna?

A weekend break with me, and you’ll need to book another holiday just to recover. So, what would I do in Bologna?

Google told me that ‘must-see attractions’ are the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di San Petronio, the Two Towers, and the Basilica di Santo Stefano (Seven Churches).

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I’d never heard of anything listed, and at a glance, I wasn’t particularly excited about them.

Bologna looked beautiful in pictures, its signature red buildings against the backdrop of rolling hills and the Apennine Mountains, but still, I wasn’t necessarily counting down the days.

I’ve been to Italy more times than I can remember, and love Florence, Rome, Venice, Milan, Verona, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and Bergamo.

Claiming Bologna as your favourite city in Italy seems like a bold statement — let alone your favourite in the world — but after one night there, I had to agree with my sister.

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I can’t name many cities I want to come back to again and again, but this is at the very top of the list. I already have a flight booked for another trip, later this month.

Florence, Rome, Venice — they all live up to their reputations. The Vatican City is so impressive, it reduced me to tears; there are few joys in life more magical than walking along the canals of Venice. And Florence is, of course, replete with magnificent buildings and extraordinary art and history.

But aside from their creative wonders, they all have one thing in common: they’re tourist traps.

A view of the rooftops and buildings in Bologna, Italy, on a sunny day
Bologna was a bold choice, and I worried I’d be bored (Picture: Adam Miller)

Getting into anything worth seeing can be claustrophobic, with huge crowds and long queues. They’re also eye-wateringly expensive to eat, drink, and exist in.

I’d never stay in Florence again, knowing Bologna is just a 40-minute train ride away.

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Bologna taught me a valuable lesson about city breaks and what makes a city truly special.

Yes, there are beautiful tourist attractions, absolutely worth seeing, but more than anywhere else I’ve been, Bologna has a unique spirit.

It’s both historic and cosmopolitan. Among its many nicknames, Bologna is often referred to as La Rossa — ‘The Red’ — for the terracotta buildings that have been its quintessential design for centuries.

The streets are alive all day and night, with locals chattering at bars and cafes. We were there for two nights — from Monday to Wednesday, outside of school holidays — and it felt like a weekend in any other city.

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That might sound off-putting, like the rowdy streets of the UK after an England men’s football match, but it’s nothing like that.

A city with €5 is the city for me (Picture: Adam Miller)

Bologna is bustling, yes, but it never loses its class — no matter what street you go down or how many Aperols (which are around €5 each, wherever you go) you see being poured along the way.

Another of Bologna’s other nicknames is La Grassa: ‘The Fat.

I’ve been to many food capitals—New York, Tokyo, Paris, Singapore—and I live in London which, it must be said, has some of the best grub on the planet.

But Bologna? It’s wall-to-wall with the best food I’ve ever eaten, the kind of meals you’d have to book weeks in advance for in London, at half the price.

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The city’s signature dish is Tortellini in Brodo — meat-filled pasta served in broth. I’d love to tell you all about it, but I suffer from turophobia: a phobia of cheese.

My travel buddy had plenty, though. While all I can report is that it looked incredibly chic (and I wish I could have eaten at least 10 servings based on its appearance alone), he ate enough for both of us.

Every street is lined with incredible cuisine. We were lucky enough to get recommendations from a friend-of-a-friend who lives in Bologna. She pointed us toward various cheap eats, like Mercato delle Erbe, where we ate a grilled alla Norma toastie I still think about daily.

She promised we’d find the ‘best gelato in the world’ at Cremeria Cavour, and she was right.

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Can confirm the gelato from Cremeria Cavour is the best in the world (Picture: Adam Miller)

But the real magic of Bologna is in its simplicity. Everything feels so calm and easy. Eating, drinking, exploring—it all feels effortless compared to Florence, Venice, or Rome.

It’s one of the only city breaks I’ve been on where I felt genuinely rejuvenated afterwards.

I can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Italy for a city break now, especially when the Italian train service is so cheap and efficient. Florence is close, Venice is only 70 minutes away, and tickets can be as cheap as £13, so it also makes a great detour destination.

I’ve already told you I’m going back, so what are you waiting for?

A version of this article was originally published in March 2026.

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28 killed in a shoe factory fire in southern China

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28 killed in a shoe factory fire in southern China

BEIJING (AP) — A fire broke out at a shoe factory in the eastern Chinese province of Fujian on Thursday, killing 28 people, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping demanded “an all-out search and rescue effort,” urging a swift investigation of the incident and “strictly hold those responsible accountable.”

The blaze started at a factory in Huiteng shoe company in the city of Jinjiang, the city’s fire department said in a statement. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

There were 237 factory workers and two visitors in the building when the fire broke out. Authorities evacuated or rescued 213 people. Of the 28 people who died, two were pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

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Xinhua said the factory’s owner and others in charge have been arrested and the company’s accounts have been frozen.

Video by CCTV shows the facade of a building of several floors charred black and covered in white smoke. Earlier footage shows fires were burning on multiple floors and the building shrouded in thick, black smoke.

Jinjiang, the city where the fire happened is known as China’s shoe capital.

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Life imitating art: How Arthur Fery’s Wimbledon glory mirrors the plot of the 2004 Paul Bettany movie where a British wildcard entry goes on to WIN

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It seems that the extraordinary rise of Wimbledon wildcard Arthur Fery is a case of life imitating art, after he stunned SW19 by landing a spot in the semi-finals

This week has seen the nation hit by a case of Wimbledon fever, as wildcard Arthur Fery has made an astonishing run all the way to the semi-finals.

And it now seems his rise to success could be a case of life imitating art, with his journey resembling that of the 2004 hit film, where a wildcard entry goes on to scoop the Wimbledon trophy. 

Having arrived at the tournament outside of the top 100 rankings, Arthur has stunned SW19 by becoming the sole British player to reach the second week, and on Wednesday he booked himself a spot in the semi-finals.

Arthur beat ninth seed Flavio Cobolli in straight sets, despite only gaining entry to the championships as a wildcard, and will now play second seed and recent French Open champion Alexander Zverev on Friday for a place in the final.

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Wimbledon starred Paul Bettany as a once-renowned tennis star who has seen his position slip to 119th in the world.

In the film, Paul’s character Peter Colt lands himself a wildcard entry for the Wimbledon Championships, and despite feeling he’s past his prime, he fights his way to the title, and finds love along the way.

It seems that the extraordinary rise of Wimbledon wildcard Arthur Fery is a case of life imitating art, after he stunned SW19 by landing a spot in the semi-finals

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His journey is eerily similar to the 2004 film Wimbledon, where Paul Bettany plays a once-great star who qualifies as a wildcard, before winning the title

His journey is eerily similar to the 2004 film Wimbledon, where Paul Bettany plays a once-great star who qualifies as a wildcard, before winning the title

The film, which also starred Kirsten Dunst as an American tennis star who steals Peter’s heart, was partially filmed during the 2003 tennis championships, the only time it has ever been allowed in the tournament’s history.

Fery’s Centre Court triumph was watched by his parents, who are divorced, and his shock run to the last four has guaranteed him at least £900,000 in prize money.

He has also reached the semi-finals despite a series of on-court nosebleeds. ‘It is a problem I am going to address. It has happened before but it’s not that common,’ he said.

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Fery reached the semi-finals of the boys’ doubles at Wimbledon in 2019 – before making the third round of the main competition’s mixed doubles, alongside Tara Moore, two years later.

He then went on to win a tennis scholarship for a science, technology and society degree at the prestigious Stanford University in California.

This year has taken him to new levels, however, initially with getting through to the second round of the Australian Open in January.

And he was granted a wildcard entry to this summer’s Wimbledon, despite not qualifying through the official routes.

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His performances since have made him only the fifth wildcard entry to reach as far as the quarter-finals.

The only wildcard entry to actually go on to win a Wimbledon title is Goran Ivanisevic, in 2001… for now.

Wimbledon starred Paul Bettany as a once-renowned tennis star who has seen his position slip to 119th in the world, but along with winning the title, he finds love along the way

Wimbledon starred Paul Bettany as a once-renowned tennis star who has seen his position slip to 119th in the world, but along with winning the title, he finds love along the way

The film, which also starred Kirsten Dunst as an American tennis star who steals Peter's heart, was partially filmed during the 2003 tennis championships

The film, which also starred Kirsten Dunst as an American tennis star who steals Peter’s heart, was partially filmed during the 2003 tennis championships

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Fery moved to Wimbledon at a young age and although he went to university in the USA, he was educated nearby and trains in London.

His subsequent run at the All England Club has led to some in the French media claiming the 23-year-old as their ‘last remaining hope’ given his dual nationality and family ties to France.

However, when pressed on which country he feels closer to after his quarter-final victory over Flavio Cobolli, Fery was clear in his response.

‘In regards to the French, I mean honestly less and less these days,’ he told reporters.

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‘I’ve now lived here a long time, 10 years ago I may have said I felt more French than English but now it’s not the case at all.

‘I feel very British, I live here, all my best friends live here, I went to school here, I train here.

‘My parents are still French so we speak French with my family and cousins who still live in France. But no, my roots are very much tied to London now.’

Fery’s fourth round victory came in five sets against former world No 3 Grigor Dimitrov, amid baking heat, on Centre Court on Monday.

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His second consecutive fightback makes him the first British wild card to reach the quarter-finals at a grand slam in the open era.

The Wimbledon local was twice a break down in the fourth but roused himself with the unrelenting support of the Centre Court crowd with chants of ‘Let’s go, Arthur’ echoing across the packed stands.

Arthur will now play second seed and recent French Open champion Alexander Zverev on Friday for a place in the final

Arthur will now play second seed and recent French Open champion Alexander Zverev on Friday for a place in the final

Speaking of his comeback afterwards, he said: ‘I was really close to losing my last round as well, again today a break down in the fourth.

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‘I was just trying to keep fighting, having a good attitude, committing to what I’m trying to do – playing really well with my back against the wall, paid off.’

Another interested spectator sat in the front row of the Royal Box, with Fery aware of the gaze of eight-time champion Roger Federer.

The British player said: ‘When I switched the TV on in the changing rooms for the first match, I saw Roger was in the Royal Box.

‘I didn’t know he was coming. I sent a message to my team saying, “Yeah, look, Roger’s in the box, I’m pretty tight”.

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‘It’s incredible to be in that position where one of the greatest of all time is watching you, let alone watching me play a five-set match against Dimitrov on Centre Court at Wimbledon.’

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Man shot dead by ICE ‘dedicated his life to the American Dream’ | News US

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Man shot dead by ICE ‘dedicated his life to the American Dream’ | News US
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed in Houston this week (Picture: AFP)

The man ICE shot and killed during a traffic stop in Houston has been remembered as a ‘hard worker’ and family man.

Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was driving a car on Tuesday evening when ICE officers tried to stop him.

Araujo is allegedly undocumented and didn’t follow commands. ICE has claimed that Araujo attempted to ‘weaponise his vehicle’ and run over an officer – the same reason the agency gave for shooting Renee Good in January this year.

The agency said officers fired in ‘self-defence’, but his family don’t believe this to be the case.

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His son, Ronaldo Salgado, said: ‘He did not deserve to die. He did not deserve to be reduced to a headline of ‘Mexican man shot and killed by ICE.

Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican motorist who was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a vehicle stop in Houston, stands behind a birthday cake in an unknown location in this this picture obtained from social media, released July 8, 2026. Ronaldo Salgado/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. VERIFICATION: Reuters was able to confirm the identity of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo with corroborating footage captured by Reuters that shows a family member holding the photo during a press conference. The location and date when the photo was taken were not verified. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Lorenzo ‘dedicated his life to the American dream’ (Picture: UGC)

‘He dedicated his life in the United States to giving his family the American dream. He raised my brothers and me on the idea of education taking us so far in life.

‘I am deeply heartbroken to see that the man who taught me the value of hard work, family values, and education will no longer spend an evening on his porch.’

Homeland Security said: ‘The driver of the vehicle, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo — an illegal alien from Mexico — attempted to evade arrest.

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‘From information we are receiving, he rammed an ICE law enforcement vehicle, refused to follow multiple verbal commands, and weaponised his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer resulting in our officer firing his weapon in self-defence.’

‘The driver was struck, and emergency services were immediately contacted. The driver was transported to the hospital, where he passed away from his injuries.’

Ronaldo Salgado, son of Lorenzo Salgado, arrives to speak during a press conference in Houston, on July 8, 2026. US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials said Tuesday that a federal immigration agent shot and killed a Mexican national during an attempted vehicle stop in Texas. In a statement posted to X, DHS said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to stop Lorenzo Salgado's vehicle in Houston early Tuesday morning, but the man "attempted to evade arrest." (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)
His son was in tears at a press conference (Picture: AFP)

An investigation into the shooting has been launched, led by Homeland Security.

ICE made headlines earlier this year after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renée Good in Minneapolis, which sparked fierce backlash and further protests against the immigration agency.

ICE has been ramping up operations under Donald Trump’s administration, targeting major cities as part of mass deportations, which has led to fear and concern among immigrant communities.

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Houston, the biggest city in Texas, is home to around 6.5 million people.

Around 28% are white, 24% Hispanic, 22% Asian and 21% Black, according to official census figures.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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