By JON MICHAEL RAASCH, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT

Published: 23:13 BST, 23 September 2026 | Updated: 23:22 BST, 23 September 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife were greeted with fanfare by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania upon their arrival in the capital area for the state visit.

Rows of US soldiers stood at attention as F-35 fighter jets and Air Force One loomed behind them at Joint Base Andrews, home of the president’s fleet. 

A military band played as US officials rushed to roll a red carpet up to the Chinese president’s massive Air China jumbo-jet.  

The ceremony mirrored the welcome Trump received on his trip to Beijing in May, which also had a lavish carpet and troops standing at attention. 

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The presidential limo, known as the Beast, pulled up with the president and First Lady who then met Xi and his wife, Madame Peng, at the plane, where the pair exchanged remarks for several minutes.

Though given the wind and the roaring engines, and the lack of media, it was impossible to determine what the two world leaders said upon Xi’s touchdown.  

All the fanfare was subject to a media blackout after Trump banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.

Staff from Fox, CBS and NBC attended the event but did not film while listening to the judge deliberate the banned outlets’ lawsuit against the administration. 

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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greet China’s President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan upon their arrival at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday

The first couple of China touched down just before 6:00 pm local time. They will stay in the nation’s capital through Friday afternoon 

A US Air Force flyover roared overhead as Xi remained unflinching and Trump cracked a smile

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During the media ban emergency hearing, Justice Department attorney Michael Velchik urged US District Judge Timothy Kelly to not restore reporters’ passes until after Chinese leader Xi Jinping visits, citing national security concerns.

Back on the tarmac, at the Air Force base, a flyover roared overhead to mark the Chinese president’s arrival.  

This is a breaking news story that will continue to be updated.  

Actor James Chase will reprise his role as Tom King, the abusive husband of Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).

He will be part of an upcoming storyline that promises to reignite painful memories and fresh danger.

Emmerdale star Tom King returning to ITV soap

James Chase will return as Tom King for a new storyline with Belle Dingle (Image: ITV)

Tom’s return follows a harrowing domestic abuse plot that saw him inflict psychological torment, cyberstalking, and even harm the family dog.

His behaviour ultimately led to a conviction and prison sentence, but he is now up for parole.

Tom’ reappearance threatens to reopen old wounds and inflict fresh trauma on Belle.

Mr Chase said: “Stepping back into Tom’s shoes is a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

“He is a character driven by obsession and a desperate need for control, and it is both fascinating and challenging to step back into that mindset.

“The audience knows exactly who he is and what he is capable of, so the challenge now is to show the lengths he is willing to go to in order to get what he wants, even if it means dismantling Belle’s life all over again.

“It’s a dark path, and I’m ready to see how far Tom will push it.”

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: “James’ return isn’t just about bringing back a familiar face; it’s about reigniting a complex and challenging story.

“When Belle gets the news that Tom is up for parole, she’s forced to confront a trauma she battled hard to overcome.

“With her family and new partner Kammy by her side, we explore the lasting impact of Tom’s abusive actions on Belle as she fights to keep Tom away from the village.”

Emmerdale stars on Jimmy King’s exit from ITV soap

While one Emmerdale star returns, others have recently left the show.

Nick Miles, who played Jimmy King for 22 years, saw his character recently killed off.

Jimmy died following a car crash after losing control of his vehicle and crashing straight into the wedding marquee for Joe Tate and Dawn Fletcher.

Miles and Nicola Wheeler, his on-screen wife, Nicola King, spoke about filming Jimmy’s send-off.

The stars opened up about his death and the impact on his departure in interviews following Emmerdale’s National Television Awards win in the Continuing Drama category.

Speaking to Radio Times after the award win, Mr Miles said: “Not to talk about myself, but the clip they showed was my last ever Emmerdale, and so it’s just a lovely, lovely way to end my 22-year Emmerdale story.

“So I feel on top of the world right now.”

On his exit, Mr Miles added: “We cried.

“We cried a lot,” with Ms Wheeler agreeing.

She then said: “I’ll tell you what it was like to film.

“It’s a bit like in [the NTAs Winners Room].

“It was in 30-degree heat, but it was beautiful.

“The art team had done a fantastic job with the marquee, and it did look gorgeous, didn’t it?

“It was very technical with the dream sequence, and the other bits in the car were hot, sweaty, and smelt of cheese.”

He continued: “They packed a real picnic because Jimmy was planning a picnic, so there was a picnic in the car, and the cheese just started to pack up its bags and start to walk out.

“Yeah, and it stank like it became a smellier version a bit.

“I’d gone nose blind, but Nicola was nearly sick when she threw the car window for the first time.”

The actors also reflected on their long working relationship and the 17-year marriage between their characters.

Ms Wheeler said: “We’ve been together 17 years in the show.

“We’ve known each other for Nick’s whole 22 years in the show because I was in it a little bit before him, so we were good friends beforehand, but our characters never really interacted until we got together in the back of a van, and that was it.

“That’s history.”

Who is your favourite character on Emmerdale? Let us know in the comments.

Andy Burnham has called for a ban on football fans drinking alcohol in stadium stands to be scrapped, describing the law as discriminatory and outdated.

The Prime Minister said that targeting football spectators is unfair when followers of other sports are permitted to drink while watching their teams.

Established during the 1980s when fears of hooliganism were at their peak, the restriction applies to the top five tiers of English men’s football.

However, Everton fan Mr Burnham said the policy was created during “an era when football was very different”.

Welcoming the Prime Minister’s comments, the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) highlighted that successful pilots of alcohol in stands had occurred within the women’s game.

Police chiefs nevertheless warned that making adjustments without full consultation with forces would be “incredibly rash”.

Mr Burnham told reporters: “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point.

“I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different.

“And I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination. There are different ways it could be done, perhaps on a trial basis.

“But I’m not going to back away from what’s been a long-held view of mine. I don’t see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently from others.”

The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales in the top five men’s leagues.

FSA chairman Tom Greatrex said: “The FSA has always argued that it’s unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match – especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league.

“Many clubs are in favour as well. WSL and WSL2 ran a successful pilot, meaning fans can now drink in the stands at many grounds, while the EFL has long supported a trial.

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s comments and totally agree that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed. We look forward to being part of that consultation.”

A UK Football Policing Unit spokesperson said police chiefs would welcome a meeting with Mr Burnham to “explain the challenges these proposed changes would bring to policing and the safety of staff and fans”.

The spokesperson said: ”Other sports simply don’t see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour.

“It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games.

“Following a number of football-related tragedies, changes in legislation were implemented after the Taylor Report for good reason and we are currently in the longest ever period without a significant football-related disaster.

“It would be incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners who have the expertise in this area.”

Mr Burnham previously raised the issue shortly before entering No 10 in July, when rugby league fans were able to drink while watching matches at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

He was at the ground with friends, including Liverpool metro mayor Steve Rotheram, who were holding pints of beer, and said: “How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can’t do that at an Everton home game?

“Something wrong there. I think we need to look at that.”

It is well known AI will come for all our jobs – even street artists. A vinyl mural in the ‘home of Banksy’ has been called a ‘slap in the face of Bristol’ for its AI design.

Graffiti artists are in uproar over the AI depiction of the creative centre of the south west that was slapped on the side of the Jolly Colliers pub.

It depicts an unrecognisable version of Cabot Tower and an SS Great Britain that looks more like a steam-powered tugboat than the epic sails of the once-largest passenger ship in the world docked off the River Avon.

It also displays a wrong interpretation of Banksy’s Mild Mild West, which shows a one-legged figure pointing – not Banksy’s famous petrol bomb-throwing teddy bear.

The image appears to have been converted into a large vinyl before being pasted onto the building.

With Bristol’s international reputation for street art and connection to artists like Banksy, the AI mural has the community reaching for the spray cans.

Caroline Maggs from the Bristol Mural Collective (BMC) told Bristol 24/7: ‘AI designs not only devalue but undermine the work of artists’ and that the collective was ‘saddened and angered by the Jolly Colliers not choosing to support handmade work’.

‘We are small businesses, and as a small business themselves, they should have chosen better,’ she said.

‘In a climate where humans are being replaced by AI at an alarming rate, choosing art like this is not only an aesthetic choice but a political one.’

Maggs said having no mural would have been better than the AI art now on the pub.

She added that the collective was open to discussions with the Jolly Colliers and would like to commission someone from the collective to ‘rectify their mistake’.

On Tuesday, a letter from an unknown artist condemning the AI art had been placed below the mural, but it was swiftly removed.

The letter called the decision to erect the mural ‘a disrespectful affront to this city’.

‘I am not alone in this opinion. Your decisions have angered a large portion of the very community you supposedly wish to support and exist alongside,’ the letter said.

While it was not signed by anybody, the writer acknowledged Bristol’s reputation for creativity and hosting Upfest, Europe’s largest street art festival.

The letter said: ‘Hundreds of murals exist across the city, created by truly talented individuals, with passion, hard-earned skill and dedication.

‘By choosing to “create” (though that word gives more credit than is due) an Al generated image, produce it in vinyl and stick it to the side of your building, you are actively damaging the livelihoods of artists, disrespecting and contributing to the theft of their work, and making a mockery of what makes Bristol the city it is.

‘You have watered down the spirit, the originality and the very essence of the visual aesthetic you have tried, and failed, to recreate.’

Emily Tuffen, also an artist from BMC, said the mural was a ‘slap in the face’ to Bristol, adding that ‘Brunel would be turning in his grave’ over the piece.

Tuffen said the mural was a ‘very large, very public display of something that is fast becoming a very clear and real threat to the existence of humanity’.

Several other artists from the BMC also criticised the artwork, with Nina Raines calling the work ‘visually naff,’ and Fiona Finn Teo describing it as “an appalling and tone-deaf display of absolute nonchalance and disregard to artists residing in Bristol and beyond”.

Tuffen added: ‘The mural is like a giant green light telling all of south Bristol (and anyone who views it online) – AI is fine, let’s jump in feet first!

‘Tally ho! I don’t think it will last long, one way or the other. Bristol won’t stand for it.

‘On a personal level, I would be so happy if someone circled all the mistakes in red paint like a teacher or a spot the difference puzzle. That would make it actually a good street art piece and a clear statement.

“Bristol loves authentic creativity and won’t stand for intellectual property theft! It wouldn’t cost the proprietors too much if they wanted THAT commissioned!’

A spokesperson from Punch, who own the Bedminster pub, said the mural was ‘a temporary measure due to the condition of the external wall’ and they were looking forward to collaborating with local artists and the community in the near future for a permanent mural.

In a statement, the spokesperson added: ‘The external wall requires some minor works which would make a permanent mural at this time difficult, so we have opted for a temporary solution.’

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New analysis of school funding by the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies shows the budget per pupil is growing faster than expected, by 9% in real terms between 2025-26 and 2028-29.

This is partly because of various government top-ups to the budget and falling pupil numbers in some areas.

Economist Luke Sibieta said asking schools to offer more vocational routes would be a “big change” on top of the significant reforms to support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

He said there was a “big question mark” over whether there were enough people to teach technical and vocational subjects, with further education colleges already struggling to recruit.

The Association of Colleges (AoC) suggested schools worked with them because they could offer “industry standard facilities” and qualified staff.

David Hughes, from the AoC, said this would help ensure learning was “authentically different to school and properly employment focused”.

Daniel Kebede, from the National Education Union, said “sustained investment and resources” was needed to make a success of the new qualifications.

While Pepe Di’Iasio, of the Association of School and College Leaders, described the government’s plans as “well intentioned” but without making sure schools had the staffing and resources would not remove barriers to young people.

He welcomed the national push for work experience and said with placements “extremely difficult” to secure more support was needed from employers.

The existing statutory career guidelines for secondary schools in England already require “meaningful” work experience for 14 to 16-year-olds.

Employers are now being asked to contact their local careers hub to offer placements.

Laura Trott MP, who is the Conservative Party’s shadow Education Secretary said she was concerned the changes risked losing the progress England had made in improving standards, and “ripping up the system” could mean “sabotaging young people’s futures”.

“Better schools will continue to protect rigorous subjects but disadvantaged children will be steered towards easier routes, lowering expectations for the very pupils who need high standards most”, she said.

West Yorkshire Police has released a video and is appealing for the public’s help after a crash in the northbound carriage of the A1 for the B6474, between Wentbridge and Darrington, shortly before 2.20pm on Monday (September 21).

As reported by The Press yesterday, West Yorkshire Police said a blue VW Polo, which was joining the A1, collided with a northbound Scania HGV car transporter.

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The driver of the Polo, a woman in her teens, suffered serious head injuries and remains in hospital in a serious condition.

“Officers would like to hear from the driver, occupants, or anyone who can assist in identifying a black van, possibly a Ford Transit, which was seen entering the northbound A1 from the B6474 a few moments prior to the collision,” said a spokesperson for the force in an update posted today.

They added that officers are keen to speak to the driver or occupants of the van, or anyone who can help identify it.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or online at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat, quoting reference 0858 21/9.

Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth will unveil her tax and spending plans for 2027-28 on December 3, but Dave Moxham, deputy general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, said: “The cabinet secretary is not going to be able to manage this.”

The changes, which come into effect on Sunday, September 27, follow a review of services supported by Tees Valley Combined Authority and customer feedback.

Operator Arriva said the updates would “provide new travel opportunities, improved connections and better links between communities” across the Darlington and Stockton areas.

Major changes to Darlington town services

Service 10 will be revised to focus on journeys between Darlington and Whinfield, while new Services 86 and 87 will provide dedicated links to Sadberge, Bishopton and Stillington.

Service 16 will be withdrawn and replaced by a revised Service 18, which Arriva says will provide “enhanced cross-town links and improved connections” across Darlington.

Darlington Arena, Mowden and West Park to gain new links

Service 17 will be extended to Darlington Arena via Neasham Road and Geneva Crescent.

The extension will create a direct link between Mowden and Darlington Rail Station.

A new Sunday daytime service will be introduced, alongside Monday to Saturday evening buses between Darlington Arena and the town centre, continuing to Mowden as Service 18A.

Service 18 is also being extended to West Park Hospital and Faverdale.

Under the new route, buses will travel via Abbey Road, Hummersknott, Mowden and Cockerton, providing links to Queen Elizabeth College, Darlington Rail Station, Cockerton Village, Faverdale’s retail and industrial areas and West Park Hospital.

The revised route will also create a new connection between Mowden, Cockerton Village and Faverdale.

Sunday daytime journeys and Monday to Saturday evening services will also be introduced, with evening buses operating as Service 18A.

Service 18A will run on Monday to Saturday evenings, linking Darlington Arena, the town centre, Mowden, West Park and Faverdale.

Earlier journeys and new connections

Passengers using Service 1 between Darlington and Tow Law will see two timetable changes.

The weekday morning journey currently departing Faverdale Grange at 6.13am will instead start at 6.12am from Westgate Crescent.

Meanwhile, the Monday to Saturday evening service from Tindale Crescent to Crook will leave five minutes earlier, departing at 10.37pm and arriving in Crook at 11.02pm.

The earlier arrival is intended to provide a connection onto the 11.05pm X46 service towards Durham.

There will also be minor timetable changes on Service 3 between Skerne Park and Hummersknott, including an adjustment to the afternoon school journey, which will leave Hummersknott at 3.09pm to better match school finishing times.

New options for Durham and Aycliffe passengers

Changes are also planned for Service 7 between Darlington and Durham.

Peak-time weekday journeys will be revised, while an additional morning service to New College in Durham will be introduced.

Late-night travellers will also benefit from the 11.30pm service from Durham being extended to Aycliffe Village.

On Service 8 between Darlington and Spennymoor, the 2.52pm journey from Spennymoor will depart at 2.57pm and operate five minutes later throughout.

Faverdale and Newton Aycliffe services revised

Passengers using Service 19 between Darlington and Faverdale will see the route revised to provide more direct access into Faverdale.

The service will no longer serve John Fowler Way.

One bus each hour will terminate at Aldi Warehouse, while another hourly journey will continue to Newton Aycliffe town centre via High Grange, West Park Hospital, Heighington, School Aycliffe and Newton Aycliffe Rail Halt.

New Services 86 and 87

New Services 86 and 87 will provide links between Darlington, communities around Stillington and Stockton.

The routes will replace the existing Service 10 between Darlington and Stillington and Service X86 between Stockton and Stillington.

The services will operate via Tornado Way, Sadberge, Little Stainton, Bishopton, Great Stainton during peak hours, Old Stillington, Stillington, Whitton, Redmarshall, Carlton, Letch Lane, North Tees Hospital and Durham Road before continuing to Stockton High Street.

Journeys will serve both ends of Stockton High Street, providing improved access to the Riverside Park area.

X66 timetable adjustment

Passengers travelling between Darlington and Middlesbrough on the X66 will see evening and Sunday journeys operate five minutes later than at present.

You can find more information on the Arriva website.

It seems that cameo did damage, though, as Timber was subsequently ruled unfit to represent the Netherlands at the World Cup. He made a long-awaited return to the pitch last week as Arsenal won at Sunderland, before starting for the first time in six months as the Gunners visited Brighton.

The Tories estimate the proposed changes would move about 350,000 claimants onto the lower rate of Universal Credit, saving around £538m a year.

Under the proposals, anyone fit to work would get six months on full benefits to find a job.

Every two years a claimant has previously worked would buy an extra year on the full rate of Universal Credit – but those who have not contributed enough would drop to a new “Subsistence Allowance”, worth 70% of the full rate.

The party said this would protect “those with a strong employment record”.

For example, a 58-year-old who has worked since leaving school but has been made redundant would keep the full allowance up to state pension age.

Claimants who are sick, disabled or already in work would also be exempt, with only those judged capable of work affected.

The Tories said loading the “Subsistence Allowance” onto a pre-paid card, with restrictions on what the money can be spent on, would ensure taxpayers’ money supports claimants with essentials like food.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the current system “where someone who can work chooses not to, and earns more benefits than someone in a job” was “unfair”.

“The best welfare is a well-paid job. So, we will be tough on those who exploit the system because the current system is unfair to workers, taxpayers and those who truly need support,” she said.

“Welfare must be a safety net for those who genuinely need it, not a lifestyle choice for those who can’t be bothered.”

However, Helen Barnard, director of policy and research at the anti-poverty charity Trussell, said the proposals were “deeply misguided”.

“Universal Credit already falls well short of what people need to afford the essentials like food and heating, forcing people across the UK to the doors of food banks,” she said.

“We see people’s health being damaged and their ability to find and maintain work undermined by the severe hardship so many are facing.”

Reform UK’s economy spokesman, Robert Jenrick, said the Tories had left record numbers on long-term benefits and the proposals “won’t even put a dent” in the welfare bill.

The Conservatives have already pledged to scrap Personal Independence Payment, the main disability benefit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, for “low-level” mental health conditions to help cut the welfare bill.

The party also wants to make it harder to claim sickness benefits, which it said would mean more people are required to look for work.

Spending on benefits has ballooned in recent years and is forecast to rise to £408.6bn in 2030/31, according to figures from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has insisted he will get the welfare bill down, for example by tackling but number of young people not in education, employment or training, but not through “crude cuts”.