The deepfakes, including one depicting a senior councillor handing out money to people in balaclavas, have featured in new research from the Social Market Foundation.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, the council’s Labour culture and economy spokesperson targeted in the video and other posts, said it sadly showed there was an avalanche of fake news online.

Jamie Gollings, co-author of the No News is Bad News study, said misinformation circulating locally had gone under the radar for too long and communities could not afford further inaction.

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The study, published on Monday, June 8 with BBC backing, follows fake York Council adverts circulating on social media in January, in the run up to a by-election Heworth.

They purported to be from the council and falsely called for volunteers to remove flags attached to lampposts, to house asylum seekers and fill potholes.

Real phone numbers and emails featured in the posters which asked people to contact the council, though the initiatives depicted in them were not real.

But they later received coverage from right-wing internet personalities who produced videos presenting them as real, including one which had around 116,000 views.

Cllr Kilbane, who was the council’s deputy leader when St George’s and Union flags were attached to lampposts from summer 2025 onwards, was also personally targeted.

One of the fake City of York Council adverts which circulated online (Image: Supplied)

Posts with fake quotations claiming to be from Cllr Kilbane and an AI-generated video showing him handing out money to people in balaclavas to remove flags were circulated online.

They came after Cllr Kilbane had spoken out about the flag campaigns and clean-up costs and the study quoted council officials who said the posts deliberately aimed to mislead people.

Officials added social media accounts appeared to be bots shared much of the content and the timing of posts could suggest they were co-ordinated to undermine trust in local institutions.

Social Market Foundation research found the proportion of misinformation as a share of all social media posts grew to 26 per cent during local election periods.

The share could reach as high as 56 per cent in the run up to polling day compared to earlier in the year, findings based on national research showed.

A fifth of all fake news posts on social media were found to relate to local issues such as planning, transport, public services and council politics.

The study found 46 per cent of people in Britain seek out local news on social media, second only to TV and ahead of every other source.

Researchers said news sourced on social media came without the fact-checking or editorial guidelines done by the established press.

They added there was also a link between ‘news deserts’, places that had lost traditional news outlets, and an increase in fake news.

Research showed those areas had three times as many fake news posts online compared to the national average, 0.3 per cent of all content compared to 0.1 per cent respectively.

The Social Market Foundation has called for more resources to be given to local media and for the Government to invest in a public misinformation campaign.

They also said broadcasting watchdog Ofcom should monitor how well platforms tackle fake news and social media platforms should label trusted information sources and AI-generated content.

One of the fake City of York Council adverts which circulated online (Image: Supplied)

York Council Culture and Economy Executive Member Cllr Kilbane said fake news was worryingly being spread by people trying to undermine trust in each other and in democracy.

The executive member said: “Sadly this report confirms our experience in York is the same as the rest of the country, misinformation is rife on social media.

“With an avalanche of fake news out there, professional news gathering, scrutiny and reporting has never been more important.”

Social Market Foundation researcher Mr Gollings said the study had revealed the true scale of fake news on social media for the first time.

He said: “Local misinformation is the silent killer of trust in Britain.

“We cannot afford further erosion of local journalism, which is our best defence against local misinformation.”

Junade Khan has been seen supporting his daughter’s next major role after revealing he’s not the only TV star in his family

Coronation Street newcomer Junade Khan has been seen supporting his daughter’s next major role after he revealed he’s not the only actor in his family.

Those who follow the ITV soap will be aware that the actor made his debut in Weatherfield last month as Idris Nazir. However, it wasn’t actually Junade’s first time on the cobbles as he appeared in two episodes of the show back in September 2008 as Saj, a short-term boyfriend of Rosie Webster.

But Junade has now made his Corrie return, this time as the cousin of long-standing character Alya Nazir, who seems to be up to no good, while also having an eye for the ladies as he’s already struck up a romance with Leanne Battersby.

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But Junade, also known for roles in Game of Thrones, Hollyoaks and Waking the Dead, recently shared how he isn’t the only acting star in his family, as he said they were thrilled with the news of his Corrie role. “My mum and mother-in-law watch Coronation Street avidly, so they’re very excited,” he said.

“And my kids are actually on screen more than me! My daughter worked with Angelina Jolie in a film called Anxious People and did a Ridley Scott film, and my little boy has done a Marvel film and Waffle the Wonder Dog. So now there’s me in Corrie – it’s all good!”

He’s now reshared a post from his daughter’s parent-run Instagram account to his own Instagram Story as she prepares to see her next acting gig hit the screens. Alara-Star appears in director Ridley Scott’s latest offering, The Dog Stars, which will be released on Disney+ in August.

The post-apocalyptic science fiction film is set after a devastating flu pandemic that has almost eradicated humanity. The film centres on Hig (Jacob Elordi), a former civilian pilot, and Bangley (Josh Brolin), a hardened ex-Marine as they confront outside threats and hold onto the possibility of a better life beyond where they currently live

The post on Alara-Star’s Instagram page read: “THE DOG STARS official trailer is out now @20thcenturystudios Alara-Star had THE BEST time in Italy bringing this character to life in her American accent and being directed by the legendary Ridley Scott. We are SO excited to see it on the big screen in August! Very proud Mummy & Daddy.”

Last month, Junade’s wife, Gem, and their children joined him at Corrie for what appeared to be a day of fun. Alongside the string of pictures, she wrote: “We loved visiting Jay at work yesterday, while it’s half term. Made even more special being the first day his character, Idris, was arriving on screen.

“The kids were very excited to stay up late at the hotel and watch Daddy’s arrival on the cobbles with him & spot the places they’d visited! They loved getting involved pulling pints at the Rovers and serving us at Roy’s Rolls.” She added: “We are all so proud of him. Thank you Corrie for being so kind and welcoming to us all, and thank you to everyone for all the lovely messages and support #KhansOntCobbles.”

Viewers are raving about a new British thriller that fans have compared to Agatha Christie

Finding a good series to binge can prove challenging, particularly given the seemingly endless choices available. British crime thrillers are certainly no exception, with what appears to be a new offering on a weekly basis.

These new releases can sometimes disappoint, leaving audiences returning to timeless whodunit classics such as Murder, She Wrote or Miss Marple. Nevertheless, Netflix subscribers are currently enthusiastically discussing a new thriller that reportedly feels “as told by Agatha Christie”.

Boasting an impressive 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has garnered significant acclaim from viewers following the release of series two on Netflix last month.

What is the plot?

The story centres on Pip Fitz-Amobi (portrayed by Emma Myers), a clever teenager who becomes fixated on revealing the truth about the murder of well-liked schoolgirl — Andie Bell — who died five years prior.

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While the town accepts that Andie’s boyfriend, Sal Singh, murdered her before committing suicide, Pip believes there’s more beneath the surface. As even more mysteries surface in her tranquil English town, she uncovers the lengths people will go to in order to bury the truth.

The programme currently holds 83% on Rotten Tomatoes for series one and 92% for series two. According to Netflix’s official blog, Tudum, series three of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has completed filming and is set to premiere globally on the streaming platform in 2027.

Writer and executive producer Holly Jackson told Netflix: “I’m ecstatic that we are able to bring A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder to its (bloody) conclusion. As Good as Dead is my favourite of the book series, and it’s by far my favourite season of the show, too.

“You’ll see Pip as you’ve never seen her before. It’s dark, breathless, horrible, and somehow still manages to be funny. Come on back to Little Kilton for the final time … if you dare.”

What viewers are saying

On Rotten Tomatoes, critic Katie Rosseinsky from The Independent wrote: “Think The Famous Five meets Pretty Little Liars, as told by Agatha Christie: it’s a combination that shouldn’t really work on paper, but will have you hooked all the same.”

Lindsay Press at Culturess said: “Ultimately, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a fun and quick binge-worthy show that will make a potentially boring day a lot more entertaining.”

Yet Rohan Naahar from The Indian Express said: “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder cannot decide if it wants to be a quaint homage to British crime dramas, or if it wants to provide edgy entertainment for an audience that has embraced Euphoria.”

Nevertheless, one audience reviewer noted: “It’s really good, and the acting is on point. Episodes were good, but sometimes a little boring, but all of the episodes deserve at least 7.5/10 or 8/10.”

One audience review said: “An absolutely stunning story that follows the book perfectly, the acting cast was perfect and on the dot. Absolute masterpiece!”

“People feel that they’re being pressed out of their own town at times. I don’t necessarily fully agree with that, but at the same time, that’s how people feel. At the same time, these people are here for reasons, either legally or are asylum seekers, newcomers, migrants – they’re also looking for a better life.

Fire crews are at the scene of a fire which has broken out inside a 300-year-old Welsh pub on Thursday morning.

A number of fire engines have been pictured at the Hare & Hounds pub in Aberthin, Cowbridge.

It reopened in its current highly acclaimed format in early 2015 when local chef Tom Watts-Jones and his wife, Sarah, took over and renovated the site.

The fire service has said they received a call at around 8.30am to reports of a fire at a property on Maendy Road, Aberthin.

A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Crews, appliances, a water bowser, and an aerial hydraulic platform from Bridgend, Llantwit Major, Barry, Pontypridd, Kenfig Hill and Ely are currently in attendance. The incident is on-going.”

The pub has been awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, which recognises good quality, good value cooking.

The guide states: “The chef’s passionate desire to make this 300 year old pub the most seasonal in Wales is laudable. Menus change twice daily and produce is from his 3 acre allotment and family farms – and he also hunts and forages. The cooking is unfussy yet dishes are absolutely bursting with flavour; if you get a chance, don’t miss the buttermilk pudding.”

Smoke is currently billowing out of the windows as firefighters try to control the blaze.

You can get live updates on the incident by following our updates below.

This is very much inspired by the wood-roast chicken and bread salad at Zuni Café in San Francisco. When I first ate there, its then chef the late Judy Rodgers hadn’t yet written a cookbook, so I had to guess how to make it when I got home.

I use Spanish migas – chunky bits of bread that are soaked in milk and then fried – as they have a great texture, both crisp and soft. A key characteristic is a crispy-skinned chicken and only small chickens achieve that well.

Requires additional resting time

The opening match of the 2026 World Cup gets under way tonight when Mexico face South Africa

The wait is officially over. Tonight, football takes centre stage as the World Cup kicks off in Mexico.

Fittingly, co-hosts Mexico will get the tournament under way in a historic Group A clash against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

In a beautiful twist of football symmetry, tonight’s opener takes place exactly 16 years to the day these two nations met in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.

With South Korea and the Czech Republic looming in the rest of Group A, points will be at a premium in what shapes up to be a brutal group to navigate.

While Mexico bypassed the drama of qualifiers as hosts, South Africa earned their spot the hard way by topping a gruelling group ahead of powerhouses Nigeria.

Here is all the essential matchday information you need ahead of the World Cup opener.

Match details and kick-off time

• Fixture: Mexico vs. South Africa (Group A)
• Date: Thursday, June 11
• Kick-off Time: 8pm BST
• Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

How to watch (UK)

• TV channel: ITV1 (Free-to-air coverage begins at 7.50pm BST, opening ceremony coverage starts at 6.15pm)
• Live stream: ITVX (Available via mobile, tablet, smart TV or desktop with a free account)

Quotes corner

Javier Aguirre (Mexico manager): “I want players who feel proud to compete—players who give everything for their country on the pitch. If they play well and offer versatility, even better. But above all, they must be genuinely eager to represent Mexico.”

Hugo Broos (South Africa manager): “You know, it will be a special and fantastic experience for us because my players have never played in this kind of situation before.

“It will be very important for us to stick to our game plan and not be distracted by what is happening in the stands. We all know there will be thousands of Mexican supporters inside the stadium and maybe only a few South Africans.”

The world of influencer boxing takes another surreal turn on Saturday when former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall faces reality television star and professional boxer Tommy Fury in Manchester.

The heavyweight contest at the AO Arena is understood to be an exhibition bout, meaning it will not count towards either fighter’s professional boxing record.

It is scheduled for six two-minute rounds, bringing together two Britons from entirely different worlds.

The event is promoted by Misfits and is the latest example of a boxing show that increasingly blurs the lines between professional sport, entertainment and social media celebrity.

Fury’s professional resume includes high-profile victories over influencers-turned-boxers KSI and Jake Paul.

He insists his ambitions remain tethered to world-title aspirations. In reality, however, the 27-year-old has cemented himself as the poster boy for the influencer boxing boom.

Hall, 38, headlined what was billed as ‘The Heaviest Boxing Match in History’ in 2022 against rival Hafthor ‘Thor’ Bjornsson.

After losing to the Icelander in the exhibition bout, Hall transitioned into MMA and scored a knockout victory over fellow former strongman Mariusz Pudzianowski last year.

The undercard perhaps best illustrates the unusual crossroads at which modern boxing now finds itself.

Sharing the bill is social media personality ‘The Ibiza Final Boss’, real name Jack Kay, who became an internet sensation in 2025 after videos of his confident dancing, distinctive bowl haircut and gold-chain-wearing persona went viral on TikTok.

Also appearing on the card is two-time Olympic taekwondo gold medallist Jade Jones.

“This morning people are picking up the pieces, while fear within our migrant communities has only increased.”

A local MLA has slammed the “disgraceful scenes” as crowds attacked houses and burnt out cars on Wednesday night. North Belfast MLA Phillip Brett said he has been out reassuring residents following the destruction.

On Wednesday night, June 10, police were pelted with bricks and petrol bombs by rioters in Glengormley in the latest disorder following a knife attack in North Belfast on Monday night.

Speaking with Belfast Live at the scene on Thursday morning, Phillip Brett slammed the “absolutely disgraceful scenes” and said he has been speaking with local residents.

He added: “Residents have seen wanton destruction no one wants to see on the streets of Glengormley. Houses have been destroyed, people’s houses have been attacked, cars burnt out.

“A 90-year-old lifelong Glengormley resident lay in his bed last night terrified as a building very nearby went up in flames – no cause justifies what happened here.

“I have been on with residents today to reassure them we will do all we can to keep people away from violence and away from their streets.”

Twelve police officers were injured and 16 arrests were made as protesters attempted to march to the Chimney Corner Hotel, with riot police and several vans deployed to manage the demonstrations.

A Department for Infrastructure vehicle was left in flames as rioters confronted police near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey.

Footage showed dozens of men dressed all in black and wearing face coverings gathering on Antrim Road, where they could be seen tearing bricks from properties and smashing paving stones with sledgehammers to create projectiles to throw at police.

A derelict property near a petrol station was set alight, and petrol bombs were thrown at police lines.

The further disorder was also condemned by local councillor, Carl Whyte. He said: “For another night, masked figures came onto our streets, terrorised local communities, destroyed property and attacked police officers. This was a frightening experience for families living in these areas, regardless of where they come from.

“A number of police officers have been left with injuries. I thank them for their efforts and wish them a speedy recovery. We have also seen a number of arrests, many involving young people whose lives may be forever altered by their decision to take part in this disorder. This morning people are picking up the pieces, while fear within our migrant communities has only increased.

“The scenes we have witnessed over recent days have been motivated by nothing but hatred. This is racism, pure and simple. It has been whipped up by far-right agitators and anonymous social media accounts who have brought violence to our streets and Belfast to a standstill.

“We can take some heart that the violence was not on the same scale as Tuesday night, but we now need political and community leadership to bring this disorder to an end. There can be no equivocation. This racism must be called out for what it is, our migrant communities must be protected and those involved in this violence must face justice.”

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