Work is scheduled to begin on the project next year with an opening date expected in the autumn of 2028

Work on the restoration of one of Wales’ most important Jewish heritage sites is due to start next year. The restoration of Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue is a step closer to becoming a reality, thanks to grants from the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

Due to open in 2028, the £6m project will see the Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue transformed into a Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre, celebrating the history of Jewish communities in Wales and giving people the opportunity to learn about the impact of the community through an activity and events programme.

The council said the centre will also enhance Merthyr Tydfil’s visitor offer and provide much-needed cultural facilities. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter

On Friday, August 13, Vikki Howells MS, representatives from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the council and the building owners met with families who have strong connections to the synagogue.

Councillor Anna Williams-Price, Merthyr Tydfil Council’s heritage champion, said: “We are delighted to see this project progress and learn about the exciting plans for the building.

“Much of Welsh Jewish heritage is at risk of being lost, so this project is very important in educating us about the community’s valuable contribution to cultural, political, academic, economic and social development.

“It was wonderful to meet with the families today to learn about their recollections of this impressive building and what it means to them to see if brought back to its former glory.”

Plans for the transformation are well underway, and physical works to the Grade II listed building are set to start in 2027 with an opening date expected in the autumn of 2028.

Kazakhstan’s pro-government Adilet Party won a landslide victory in a parliamentary election, officials announced Monday, a result expected to further strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s grip on power in Central Asia’s largest nation.

Adilet, which is led by the former head of Tokayev’s presidential administration, won 71% of Sunday’s vote, Kazakhstan’s central electoral commission said, according to preliminary results.

The second-place Auyl Party won 6.26% of the vote, with three other parties – the Nationwide Social Democratic Party, Respublica and Aq Jol – reaching the 5% threshold needed to win a place in parliament.

Election monitors for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said the vote was marred by a lack of distinct political opposition, with “all contesting parties supporting the incumbent president’s policies.”

Some 74% of the country’s 12.6 million eligible voters took part in the election, the central electoral commission said, which was the first vote to Kazakhstan’s new single-chamber parliament.

Known as the Kurultai, the new body is the culmination of a constitutional overhaul initiated by Tokayev in March, when 87% of voters supported a referendum to merge the two chambers of parliament.

The vote also gave the president authority to appoint key officials, subject to lawmakers’ approval.

Last month, Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court ruled that the amendments effectively reset the clock on Tokayev’s previous terms in office, clearing the way for him to seek another seven-year term when his mandate expires in 2029.

The decision echoes those seen in several former Soviet republics, including Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where leaders have used new or amended constitutions to revise statutory term limits.

The 73-year-old Tokayev, a former Soviet official and Kazakh diplomat who previously worked at the United Nations, has been in office since 2019.

He has sought to maintain a balance between Moscow and the West since sanctions were imposed on Russia over the war in Ukraine. Tokayev has justified the constitutional changes by citing the need for rapid decision-making in a fast-changing world.

The election comes at a difficult economic moment for Kazakhstan, where inflation hit 10.2% in February and tax increases have fueled public discontent.

Cleveland Police made the arrests in connection with the fatal collision that claimed seven lives, including two police officers.

On August 22, officers received multiple reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously in Middlesbrough.

One of the cars, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was seen ramming into properties, while a Volkswagen Passat was thought to be linked to the incident.

Both vehicles were using cloned number plates to avoid detection but were identified by the force’s automated number plate recognition system.

The Volvo was later traced and recovered in Middlesbrough as part of the ongoing investigation.

Throughout the weekend, Cleveland Police, supported by officers from Durham, Northumbria, and North Yorkshire, worked to piece together the events leading up to the crash.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox said: “This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity.

“The events of that tragic night will have a lasting and profound impact on the Cleveland area and the communities we seek to protect.

“We have a duty to respond to, and thoroughly investigate, the serious criminal activity that resulted in this fatal incident and to bring all those responsible to justice.

“Our robust response will continue in the weeks and months to come, as we continue to tackle those that seek to cause harm to our communities and tackle serious and organised crime.”

Nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, have been arrested on suspicion of offences including possession of a firearm and involvement in organised crime.

Cleveland Police said there is currently no evidence to suggest the incidents were filmed for TikTok.

The force also confirmed that four of the occupants of the Passat had previous police convictions.

Assistant Chief Constable Fox praised the efforts of officers and staff during the investigation.

He said: “Officers and staff across Cleveland have shown incredible resilience in continuing their work in the face of tragedy.

“Two of their colleagues lost their lives while serving the people of Cleveland and, while the impact will be felt by our people for a long time to come, they have continued to act with the upmost professionalism.

“I am also extremely grateful for the support we have received, and continue to receive, from the public of Cleveland and our wider police family.”

The crash occurred on the A66 in South Bank at 3.39am on Saturday (August 22).

All seven occupants of the vehicles – two police officers and five members of the public – were pronounced dead at the scene.

The two police officers were named as PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.

The five men who died in the Passat were named as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18.

Following the tragedy, a memorial has been created near the crash site, including floral tributes, balloons and handwritten notes.

Cleveland Police said members of the public can leave tributes at Cleveland Police HQ.

They said: “Flower tributes can be left at the Memorial Garden at Cleveland Police HQ in Hemlington or any Cleveland Police station.

“There is a safe site in front of the South Tees Business Park sign if you would like to leave flowers close to the scene safely.”

A silent prayer vigil will be held in South Bank today (August 24) to remember the seven people who lost their lives.

St John the Evangelist Church will open its doors from 4pm until 8pm, giving people the opportunity to light a candle, say a prayer or simply sit quietly and reflect.

A fundraiser, which was created for the families of the two officers who lost their lives, has surpassed £400,000.

Tributes have been pouring in for those who lost their lives.

The family of Pc Tom Clough said: “He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason.

“Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life.

“We as a family and Tom’s partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community.”

Pc Matthew Blades’ family said: “No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt — my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.

“He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle. He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.

“He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.

“The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.”

Anna Turley, MP for Redcar and Cleveland, said: “My heart goes out to every family, friend and loved one now facing the most unimaginable loss following this morning’s devastating accident on the A66.

“Cleveland Police have confirmed that seven people have sadly lost their lives. Their families and loved ones are now facing an unimaginable loss that will be felt forever.

“Two of the seven people who have lost their lives were Cleveland Police officers, on duty serving our community. They went to work to keep people safe, and they should have come home to their families. Their loss will be felt deeply by their loved ones, fellow officers and right across the communities they served.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” to hear that two police officers and five members of the public had been killed in the crash.

He posted on X: “Devastated to hear that two police officers have lost their lives while on duty in Cleveland this morning, as well as five members of the public.

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone involved, and with everyone at Cleveland Police.

“Thank you to the emergency services responding in incredibly difficult circumstances. I would urge people to avoid speculation at this time.”

Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said “we ask so much of our officers”.

She said on X: “I just spoke to the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police. We ask so much of our officers.

“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their lives – and their loved ones, friends and colleagues. I can only imagine the devastation they must be feeling.

This is the moment a Ukrainian robot soldier ‘wiped out’ 20 Russian troops in an operation that allowed soldiers to engage the enemy without entering the line of fire.

Ukrainian defence technology company DevDroid said the strike was carried out by a Droid TW-12.7 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) which was being operated by soldiers from Ukraine’s 44th Separate Mechanised Brigade.

DevDroid said the operation took place after Russian troops sought shelter inside a building at one of their positions.

Ukrainian operators reportedly remotely directed the unmanned vehicle towards the structure before deploying a 12.7mm M2 Browning heavy machine-gun.

The company claimed the position was destroyed and 20 Russian troops were killed during the engagement. 

It comes as unmanned ground systems are increasingly being used by Ukrainian forces to carry out missions without putting soldiers in harm’s way.

The tech company says the droid is a multi-purpose combat and reconnaissance platform designed to operate close to frontline positions.

It added the UGV is equipped with cameras and other systems that allow soldiers to observe the battlefield remotely. 

The drone is equipped with cameras and other systems that allow soldiers to observe the battlefield remotely

It also has a ballistic computer and AI-assisted functions intended to help identify and engage enemy targets.

The heavy machine-gun gives the droid, which is relatively small, the ability to strike persons, firing positions and unarmoured vehicles as well as some lightly armoured targets.  

It can also be deployed for information-gathering as it transmits live footage and battlefield data back to Ukrainian operations. 

The TW-12.7 is designed to travel across difficult and uneven terrain and has undergone testing in combat environments.

It comes as Ukraine is aiming to build at least 50,000 combat robots to support and replace its soldiers fighting on the frontline. 

Ukrainian officials say using unmanned weapons would help the country optimise its headcount while fighting Russia and free soldiers from dangerous tasks, Bloomberg reports.

Recently, in the east of the country near Dobropillia, the 93rd Mechanised Brigade used a robot equipped with a flamethrower to target Russian positions established on the edge of a wooded area, allowing Ukrainian troops to neutralise the remaining fighters. 

Last month, Ukraine landed a remote-controlled combat robot using an unmanned naval drone that travelled nearly seven miles to reach the shore of the occupied Kinburn Spit in southern Ukraine. 

The Wolly 7.62 ground robot carried a machine-gun loaded with ammunition that fired on Russian troop positions, forcing them to pull back from part of the coastline.  

Also last month, footage captured how Russian soldiers surrendered to a Ukrainian patrol made up entirely of robots and drones.

Video shows both FPV and kamikaze ground drones striking a Russian dugout, before troops emerge holding a handwritten sign that said ‘we want to surrender’. 

An overhead drone then guided the Russians directly to Ukrainian lines, where they were taken prisoner without resistance

In a historic first, the soldiers were taken prisoner without a single Ukrainian infantryman present – marking the world’s first successful combat capture using only unmanned aerial and ground drones.

The operation, conducted by the Third Assault Brigade on July 8 or nine in Kharkiv Oblast, allowed the Ukrainians to retake territory without their soldiers firing a single bullet.

During the assault, which lasted just 15 minutes, FPV drones first struck Russian dugouts, causing chaos among the troops.

Moments later, unmanned ground vehicles loaded with powerful explosives moved toward the already battered fortification.

As the first drone – reportedly carrying an anti-tank mine – detonated, the Russian soldiers realised the imminent danger and created a cardboard sign to signal their surrender before a second drone could strike.

Ukraine, which has a fraction of Russia’s population and a much smaller economy, has had little choice but to try and use new technologies to tackle its opponent, with Kyiv’s new commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, backing the massive integration of robotics on the front lines.

Love Island newlyweds Molly Smith and Tom Clare‘s post-wedding meal ended in chaos as police were called during day two of their rowdy festivities.

The couple, aged 32 and 26 respectively, became the latest couple from Love Island to get married, in a lavish ceremony in Majorca over the weekend, two years after winning the 2024 All-stars version of the reality series. 

After their vows on Saturday, the party continued in wild style with a slew of friends, family and co-stars gathering at the Suculenta Port de Sóller restaurant, where local yacht crew at the harbour reportedly grew irritated at the party.

As the party carried on in wild style, booze was flowing and guests were seen jumping into the sea, which is banned, meaning reinforcements were brought in as the Guardia Civil were summoned to speak to the revellers and cool the situation. 

At the forefront was best man Casey O’Gorman who wore a minute pair of swimming trunks and white sunglasses, while talking to law enforcement with a broad grin in place alongside the groom, before carrying on the party. 

The couple, aged 32 and 26 respectively, became the latest couple from Love Island to get married, in a lavish ceremony in Majorca over the weekend and on Sunday they threw themselves into the party (Molly pictured) 

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They became the latest couple to tie the knot two years after meeting on the show  

Seemingly unfazed by the situation, Casey pulled a series of hilarious faces 

The wedding party – including the bride and groom – were seen throwing themselves into the water, while a number of snaps showed the guests swigging drinks.   

Love Islander Mitch Taylor and his model girlfriend Hayley Griffin were also in attendance, as were Sophie Piper and her partner Joshua Ritchie – who all looked dressed to impress.

Sources told The Sun: ‘Molly and Tom’s guests were having a great time, people were downing beer and Casey was keeping everyone in the party mood… 

‘At one point Casey decided to jump into the port next to the restaurant which is forbidden. The police arrived to give him a telling off and told him where he was allowed to swim.’

It comes after, earlier this weekend, Casey revealed he nearly missed his flight to the wedding in Majorca after EasyJet overbooked it and he was initially denied entry. 

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Molly and Tom admitted they’d had a few ‘wobbles’ while dealing with last-minute preparations for their big day.

For many brides the police being called to their wedding would be a worst nightmare, however Molly seemed extremely tickled by the drama 

Casey appeared amused by the situation as he leered at law enforcement 

The swanky restaurant was overrun by the wedding party

The Guardia Civil pulled up at the marina where they had jumped in

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The pair also shared how their legal wedding concluded with dinner at The Ivy, which ended with guests ‘dancing on tables’, while Casey ended up ‘in a heap on the floor’.

Molly said: ‘It’s got to the stressful part, just because we’re weeks out and only because it’s invoices being sent and all the last bits that you start to panic about and then you start getting people asking you questions, like texting you.

‘So then it starts to get a little bit stressful in that sense. So I have had a little wobble.’

Tom added: ‘We just want it all to be perfect, but like you said, there’s just like little bits, people asking silly questions.

Mitch and Tom matched in their swimwear which they sported before the drama 

A sign outside the venue read: ‘Officially Mr and Mrs Clare. Here’s forever’

‘It’s not too bad, but just because we want it to go so well and we’ve put time and effort into it. I think we’re just about there. You’ve had a few little meltdowns.’

Agreeing with her partner, Molly said: ‘Tom’s so chilled. Normally, you’re super, super-chilled, but Tom stress cleans, so I know when you’re stressed because you’ll go upstairs and start hoovering or something like that!’

Luckily, the couple were in good stead for the big day itself as their legal ceremony was a ‘really special and intimate’ occasion.

Tom was showing off his buff body before launching himself into the water 

Their co-star Mitch Taylor wore the same shorts as Tom

Casey swapped out his tiny lemon print Speedos in favour of black shorts 

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Molly was hugging a member of the wedding party

They have spoken openly about the wedding planning process with their followers, but shared they wanted to keep details about their UK-based day under wraps.

After they tied the knot, Molly and Tom shared that they headed to The Ivy for a celebratory dinner with close friends and family, but things ended up being more raucous than they expected.

Molly shared: ‘It started like so calm and classic. And then by the end of it, Casey was in a heap on the floor. We were on the tables dancing. Everyone just went to the Ivy and we just had a private room.’

Tom added: ‘As soon as the door shut, everyone just seemed to go mental!’

The organisers of Nigel Farage’s Clacton by-election victory rally – dubbed “Farage Fest” – are being investigated for failing to get permission to hold it in time

The organisers of Nigel Farage’s Clacton by-election victory rally – dubbed “Farage Fest” – are being investigated for failing to get permission to hold it.

The Reform UK leader faced criticism after he failed to show up for the result of the £250,000 contest he triggered earlier this month.

Instead he appeared in the early hours of the morning in the Essex countryside several miles from the count at a “Farage fest”, which boasted alcohol, ferris wheel, DJs and several fire pits. GB News was the only media outlet present.

Mr Farage called the event “Clactonbury” when he spoke to cheering fans from the stage. Fans had to pay to enter the event, but could camp and park for free.

Tendring District Council confirmed it had refused to grant a Late Temporary Event Notice (LTEN) as the application had not been made within the legal timescale required.

Mr Farage was re-elected as Clacton’s MP – after resigning from the role at the start of July – during the by-election earlier this month. All the other major political parties boycotted the race, branding it a “gimmick” and a “stunt” to try to distract from questions about a £5million gift Mr Farage received shortly before the 2024 general election. Mr Farage’s main rival was parody candidate Count Binface.

A Commons probe into the £5m gift Mr Farage received was suspended when he resigned as an MP. It was restarted when he was re-elected.

Lisa Hastings, Corporate Director for Law and Governance at Tendring District Council, said: “We can confirm that a Late Temporary Event Notice (Late TEN) was submitted in relation to an event on Thursday, 13 August, at Great Oakley Airfield.

“This notice was refused, and a counter-notice served, as it was not submitted within the statutory timescales required under the Licensing Act 2003. No authorisation was therefore granted under a Late Temporary Event Notice for the event.

“As the matter may now involve potential enforcement considerations, Tendring District Council is unable to comment further on any ongoing or potential investigations by Licensing or other council departments; nor provide any further details about the Late TEN submission.”

Reform UK spokesman: “Reform UK are confident that no rules were broken and the event was conducted in accordance with the law.”

Earlier today, Richard Tice earlier denied that Mr Farage is “hiding” despite him failing to make a public appearance since the Clacton by-election. Reform UK’s deputy leader said his boss is on “good form” and will be “plenty” out at the party’s annual conference in Birmingham next week.

Mr Tice said: “Nigel, I think, is 62. I’m not sure he’s ever been in hiding. He’s always on good form, and you’ll see plenty of him if you come to party conference. But I do just repeat the point we are a board team with a range of expertise, as you’re hearing about today. And Nigel specifically gave us these tasks. Myself, spokesman for business, trade, energy, including housing, so that we get stuck into some detail.”

Asked if Mr Farage had been interviewed by the Standards Commissioner, Mr Tice added: “But with regard to the Standards Commissioner, you know we’re getting to know him for a variety of reasons. That’s the nature of it. With regard to timing on that, that’s between Nigel and the Commissioners There are, of course, quite strict rules around we can say.”

Conn Kilpatrick has married his long-time partner Michaela Diamond in a glamorous wedding in the Algarve

Tyrone footballer Conn Kilpatrick has shared stunning photos from his wedding to his long-term partner earlier this month.

The Red Hand midfielder exchanged vows with Michaela Diamond in the Algarve, surrounded by loved ones and close friends.

The couple had been together for eight years before tying the knot – and by all accounts it was a great occasion.

Diamond, from Co Derry, told Evoke.ie: “It was always going to be Portugal for us; my family have a home here, so we have been coming for over 13 years.

“It was me and Conn’s first holiday together. We love the people, food, culture, and we have had so many special memories here.”

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Kilpatrick enjoyed a superb campaign with his county this season, putting in impressive performances in midfield as Tyrone progressed to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

Their summer ended in defeat to Kerry at the last-eight stage, but it was one of the standout matches of the Championship, with Kilpatrick central to a gallant Tyrone display. And many pundits are backing Kilpatrick to claim his first All-Star award this year.

The Edendork clubman lifted the All-Ireland title in his debut senior season in 2021. However, his journey to becoming one of the country’s finest midfielders has not been without its challenges, with the Tyrone man having previously spoken candidly about how a gambling addiction affected his early adult life.

Kilpatrick accumulated debts of “£15,000-£20,000 in debt” by his 21st birthday, and while he managed to stay away from gambling for 18 months, he ultimately fell back into old habits.

During an appearance on The GAA Social, Kilpatrick recalled: “The lowest point was getting caught again, it was the friends that heard the first time and they rang my dad again.”

He explained: “My mother wasn’t in the house at the time and I begged him not to tell her, that me and him could do this, but he couldn’t keep that from her.”

Describing his parents’ reaction, he said: “Seeing the hurt again was the main thing when they thought everything wasn’t that bad. My dad was just like ‘how could you let this happen again, how could you put us through this again?’.”

Reflecting on the impact, Kilpatrick admitted: “I was just thinking everyone is going to see my mum and dad and think, ‘their son is the gambling addict’, which hurt as it was nothing to do with them, they didn’t lead me down that path. I brought shame onto the family and that was the thing that I was most wary of.”

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