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Stirling councillors agree budget plans as council tax rise and roads spend given green light

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Daily Record

The council’s spending and saving plans have been confirmed for the next year – with investment on roads, playparks and a freeze on pitch fees among the highlights.

The budget plans for Stirling Council over the next year have been approved after a meeting by councillors.

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The latest budget for 2026/27 was the first put together by the new SNP-led administration at Viewforth, with the aim of bridging the estimated funding gap of £10.7million in the authority’s finances.

Among the moves given the green light were a council tax increase of 8.75 per cent.

Other eye-catching proposals in the budget include an extra £3million of funding on the council’s roads programme over the next two years, with cash also set for areas including playparks, cemeteries and investment in public toilets at Drymen and Dunblane.

The administration has also promised extra funding for Stirling Citizens’ Advice Bureau, new council bus services as well as making fees for rats and mice infestations and a freeze on charges to areas including community halls and sports pitches.

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Major projects in a wide range of service areas will benefit from substantial investment in the capital programme, such as the completion of the new schools in Callander and Corbiewood, and the first phase of the new school build at Durieshill, as well as the flood alleviation scheme in Bridge of Allan.

Borrowing will also fund the construction of new padel courts at the Peak sports facility (£1.3million) and to support the transformation of children’s residential care (£1million).

But other cuts identified as part of the budget were criticised by opponents at the meeting, including a change in the way school meals are delivered in Stirling’s primaries.

The move raised concerns among several members, including Stirling West Labour councillor Jen Preston, but Stirling East SNP councillor said it was made as a result of “hard decisions” during the budget-setting process.

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Another area of criticism came from the authority’s Conservative group, who submitted an amendment calling for a smaller increase of 2.4 per cent from 2025/26 – but this was rejected by members at Thursday’s crunch meeting.

Other savings included a tariff increase to on and off-street parking, ceasing to staff Bannockburn Enterprise Hub, maintaining changes to the library services in Drymen, a street lighting dimming project and an £8 increase in the Garden Waste Permit to £60.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Susan McGill said: “This budget will deliver significant new investments in the services that matter most to our communities, drive growth and help restore civic pride across Stirling.

“While setting a budget in the current financial climate for local government is hugely challenging, I am proud we have managed to address a significant shortfall whilst committing to additional spending in priority areas for residents such as roads, footpaths and the maintenance of our cherished public spaces.

“We have had to take some difficult decisions to do this, including increasing council tax, but these have been necessary to ensure we can deliver better outcomes for everyone across Stirling and invest in the area’s future.”

The revenue budget also sets out the proposed allocation to be transferred to the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership (£62.78million).

During the next five years (2026/27-2030/31), the council is expected to have a cumulative budget gap of £50.76million due to the well-documented and long-running financial challenges impacting local government in Scotland.

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Some of the proposals to bridge this year’s budget shortfall were informed by the council’s ongoing Big Conversation survey with residents that ran between January 6 and February 1.

Almost 2,700 people provided feedback on potential ways for the council to raise more income, make savings and deliver services differently.

Cllr McGill added: “The feedback from residents in the survey informed our final decisions in the budget, whether that was rejecting or accepting savings proposals or where we should target our resources. Thanks again to everyone who took part.

“It’s really important we maintain this ongoing dialogue with our residents, staff and partners so we can continue to meet the needs of our communities, navigate the challenges ahead and secure the council’s long-term financial sustainability.”

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Britain’s Prince Harry sued for defamation by African charity Sentebale

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Britain's Prince Harry sued for defamation by African charity Sentebale

LONDON (AP) — A charity co-founded by Prince Harry in Africa to honor his late mother, Princess Diana, has sued him for defamation after he stepped down as a patron last year.

Sentebale, which supports young people living with HIV in Botswana and Lesotho, filed suit last month in London’s High Court, according to court records viewed Friday. Online filings show Harry and his friend, Mark Dyer, a former trustee at the charity, are being sued for either libel or slander. No documents were available.

“The charity seeks the court’s intervention, protection, and restitution following a coordinated adverse media campaign conducted since 25 March 2025 that has caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the charity, its leadership, and its strategic partners,” Sentebale said Friday in a statement on its website.

A spokesperson for Harry and Dyer said the pair “categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims.”

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The lawsuit puts the Duke of Sussex in an unaccustomed position as a defendant in the High Court. Over the past three years, he has repeatedly been on the other side of litigation as the leading claimant in invasion of privacy suits against Britain’s most prominent tabloids over allegations of phone hacking and unlawful snooping by journalists and the private eyes they hired.

Harry co-founded Sentebale, which means “forget me not” in the language of Lesotho, about 20 years ago in memory of his mother, who was a prominent advocate for treatment of HIV and AIDS and helped reduce stigma around the disease. Prince Seeiso of Lesotho was the co-founder.

Disagreements at the charity surfaced in 2023 over a new fundraising strategy, and the two founders stepped down as patrons in March 2025 in support of trustees who had quit.

At the time, they said the relationship between the board and its chair, Sophie Chandauka, was beyond repair. Chandauka later accused Harry of orchestrating a campaign of bullying and harassment to try to force her out.

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As the dispute unfolded, Chandauka told Sky News that filming for one of Harry’s Netflix programs had interfered with a scheduled fundraiser for Sentebale and that an incident with his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, became a source of friction.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales investigated and criticized both sides for allowing the issue to become public and damaging the organization’s reputation, but found no evidence of widespread bullying or misogyny at Sentebale.

“Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity’s reputation, risk overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardizing the charity’s ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve,” commission CEO David Holdsworth said in a statement in August 2025.

Harry’s spokesperson had criticized the commission’s report while Chandauka welcomed it.

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Gerald Imray in Cape Town, South Africa, contributed to this report.

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Girl, 13, killed in e-bike horror in Corby as family say ‘life will never be the same’

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Daily Record

Ella Walden died after falling off an e-bike

A family have spoken of their devastation after a 13-year-old girl was killed in an e-bike crash. Ella Walden was pronounced dead after the horror incident on Elizabeth Street, Corby on April 7.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have any footage of what happened to come forward. A-32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and road traffic offences and has been released on bail.

Now, Ella’s family have shared their heartbreak in a tribute, which was released by Northamptonshire Police. It states: “Our lives will never be complete again after losing our beautiful Ella.

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“She was the most amazing, strong-willed, feisty girl, with the most precious smile. Ella had an infectious personality and could light up even the emptiest room. She made a lasting impression on everyone she met, and you could hear her before you saw her, so life is so quiet without her.

“As a family, we were the lucky ones to have her as ours, but she has been taken from us far too soon. Ella was incredibly loyal and always stood up for what she believed in.

“She had a kind heart and was always there for anyone who was struggling. Ella loved being in the limelight and truly excelled in drama – she was never happier than when she was performing. She lived life to the fullest.

“To the world she was Ella, but to us she was the world. Life will forever have an empty space without her, but her memory will live on with us all forever.”

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In a statement, Police said this morning: “Detectives from Northamptonshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit have arrested a man in connection with an incident which led to the death of a girl in Corby.

“The incident happened on Tuesday, April 7, between 2pm and 3pm, when the girl suffered serious injuries after falling off an e-bike in the town’s Elizabeth Street. She was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later.

“Now, a 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and road traffic offences, in connection with the incident. He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

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“Officers would still like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage of the collision.

“Anyone with information is asked to email CollisionAppeals@northants.police.uk or call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615, or Northamptonshire Police on 101. Please quote incident number 26000198505 when passing on any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”

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Late Late show returns with entertaining line up after break over Good Friday

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Belfast Live

Patrick Kielty’s Late Late Show returned with guests including Patsy Kensit and Young Offenders stars

The Late Late Show made its comeback to television screens this evening following the announcement from programme bosses that it would not broadcast on Good Friday.

Patrick Kielty resumed his presenting role tonight with a guest roster that sparked considerable discussion amongst audiences.

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Headlining was actress Patsy Kensit, who discussed with Patrick her recent 242-mile trek across north-east England featured in the latest series of BBC’s Pilgrimage.

READ MORE: Ambulance service warns protesters not to ‘impede’ emergency vehicles during NI fuel demonstrationsREAD MORE: Man charged after alleged assault on two teenagers in Limavady

Patsy is best recognised for her stint in Emmerdale, and she hinted at a possible comeback to the programme. Having endured considerable hardship during her lifetime, she shared how her religious beliefs assisted her in overcoming adversity.

The Young Offenders stars Alex Murphy and Chris Walley, from the RTE series, appeared in the studio to discuss the programme’s revival.

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The duo have inhabited these roles for a decade now and reflected on what has made the programme such an enormous success with viewers over the years.

Award-winning journalist Fergal Keane appeared alongside Patrick to discuss his recent departure from the BBC following an impressive 37-year tenure. Throughout his distinguished career, Fergal reported from the front lines of international conflicts spanning nearly four decades. These experiences took their toll, with Fergal opening up about the impact they had on his mental wellbeing.

Comedian and broadcaster Bernard O’Shea spoke about his family life in Limerick alongside his recent surge in online popularity, which has seen him become a viral sensation across social media platforms.

Country singer Cliona Hagan delivered a musical performance on the evening with her rendition of a Shania Twain classic. She also shared some thrilling news as The Late Late Show gears up to hunt for Ireland’s next country music sensation on The Late Late Show Opening Act next Friday, April 17.

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However, the star studded line up didn’t impress everyone.

Given the ongoing fuel crisis affecting the nation, numerous viewers questioned why representatives from the recent fuel demonstrations weren’t featured.

One viewer asked: “Why don’t you have Christopher Duffy on to discuss the fuel protests.”

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For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Reports of ‘suspicious items’ found as emergency crews rush to area

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Manchester Evening News

Police remained at the scene on Friday

Emergency crews raced to an area in Cheadle Hulme after reports of ‘suspicious items’ being found. It’s thought the discovery was made at a flat at the Fabrick Apartments on Warren Road.

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Police had been called to the scene on Friday (April 10) and a number of emergency services vehicles were in attendance. One witness claimed hazardous materials teams were also at the scene.

It was later found that items uncovered were consistent with suspected drug production. The M.E.N understands the items posed no threat or risk to nearby residents and that it was for the production of steroids.

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No arrests have been made in connection with the discovery. Investigations remain ongoing, GMP confirmed.

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A force spokesperson said: “Officers were called to a property on Warren Road, hulme>Cheadle Hulme following a report of suspicious items found.

“Emergency services attended and found items consist with suspected drug production. No arrests have made and enquiries are ongoing.”

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Champions Cup: Bath 43-41 Northampton Saints – Ted Hill try completes fightback

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Bath replacement Kepu Tuipulotu scores one of his side's six tries

Bath came from 21 points down to beat Prem leaders Northampton and reach the semi-finals of the Champions Cup in a breathtaking clash at the Rec.

Northampton were in sensational attacking form from the off, scoring five tries in the opening half hour as the top two sides in England delivered an amazing first 40 minutes.

But Bath were not knocked out and scored four of their own before half-time as the sides shared 61 points before the break.

The hosts’ strength in depth from the bench proved the difference in the second period as Northampton could only manage two penalties.

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And a late yellow card under heavy pressure for Saints talisman Henry Pollock proved decisive as replacement Ted Hill drove over to give Bath their first lead with five minutes left.

They held on to seal a famous win and set up a huge match against either Bordeaux Begles or Toulouse in the last four.

Exhilarating, high octane, entertaining – this was the modern brand of rugby which made the Six Nations so captivating in an 80-minute nutshell.

Whether Bath can beat the French giants playing such rugby remains to be seen but the English duo served up a first 40 minutes in particular which will live long in the memory.

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Pollock was involved – as he so often is – right from the start, driving over to give Saints the lead after a very early yellow card for Bath number eight Miles Reid.

Fraser Dingwall capitalised on a superb Saints attack to score the second try within six minutes before Tom Dunn barrelled over to reduce the deficit just moments later.

Northampton looked like scoring in every attack and Tom Lockett and Josh Kemeny stunned the home crowd with quick tries to put last year’s beaten finalists 28-7 up.

Finn Russell kicked through and dived on the ball to score for Bath, but when wing Ollie Sleightholme marked his 100th Northampton appearance with a fifth try in the 29th minute it looked like Saints would be reaching a third straight semi-final.

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The pace of Henry Arundell and the power of Francois van Wyk brought two quick Bath tries before the half-time whistle though and the momentum had swung the way of the hosts.

Kepu Tuipulotu mauled over to make it a five-point game and while Fin Smith’s boot kept the visitors just about ahead, a wave of pressure made a Bath score feel inevitable.

Pollock ignored the cries of referee Andrew Brace to release a tackle and paid the price with another yellow card, and moments later Hill drove over to level the scores.

Russell had the final word with his boot as the home crowd celebrated a sumptuous comeback and a first appearance in the last four in 20 long years.

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Nasa shares Artemis II splashdown timeline and re-entry milestones

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Nasa shares Artemis II splashdown timeline and re-entry milestones

The astronauts are set to splash down off the coast of San Diego, California

Moon joy! Nasa releases best moments from Artemis II’s history-making trip

7:33 pm EDT/12:33 am BST: Orion’s crew module will separate from the service module, exposing its heat shield for the spacecraft’s return through Earth’s atmosphere, where it will encounter temperatures of about 3,000 degrees.

7:37 pm EDT/12:37 am BST: Following separation, Orion will perform an 18-second crew module raise burn beginning to set the proper entry angle and align the heat shield for atmospheric interface.

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7:53 pm EDT/12:53 am BST: Orion will be 400,000 feet above Earth’s surface while traveling nearly 35 times the speed of sound, and the crew is expected to experience up to 3.9 Gs in the planned entry profile. This moment marks the spacecraft’s first contact with the upper atmosphere and the start of a planned six-minute communications blackout as plasma builds around the capsule.

8:03 pm EDT/1:03 am BST: Around 22,000 feet in altitude, the drogue parachutes will deploy, slowing and stabilizing the capsule as Orion nears splashdown.

8:04 pm EDT/1:04 am BST: At around 6,000 feet, the drogues will release, and the three main parachutes will deploy, reducing Orion’s speed to less than 136 mph.

8:07 pm EDT/1:07 am BST: Slowing to 20 mph, Orion will splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, completing the Artemis II crew’s return to Earth and a 694,481-mile journey.

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Trump’s attack on former allies exposes splintered MAGA coalition

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Trump's attack on former allies exposes splintered MAGA coalition

The president singled out two former popular Fox News evening-programme hosts, Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, and right-wing conspiracy theorists Alex Jones and Candace Owens, for criticism. He ticked through each, using derisive language to highlight what he viewed as their past failings and deficiencies.

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Northern Ireland weather outlook for the weekend ahead

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Belfast Live

April showers are set to continue

After Storm Dave last weekend, it hasn’t felt like Spring at all this April across Northern Ireland.

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Looking ahead to this weekend, the weather forecast suggests things aren’t set to change too much and the April Showers are set to persist.

According to the Met Office, a dry morning is set to take a wet turn into the afternoon on Saturday.

READ MORE: Work begins on transforming landmark city centre building into £20m Staycity aparthotelREAD MORE: Meet the teams taking part in the Red Bull Soapbox Race at Stormont

The forecaster added that strong gale can also be expected in coastal areas on Sunday.

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This is the Met Office’s weather outlook for the weekend across Northern Ireland:

Saturday:

A dry morning with sunny spells. Becoming cloudier in the afternoon with outbreaks of rain which may be heavy at times. Winds strong at times, especially near the coast. Maximum temperature 10 °C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Heavy outbreaks of rain on Sunday. Sunny spells on Monday with scattered showers. Dry with sunny spells Tuesday. Winds will be strong with risk of gales Sunday, then becoming light.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Man in 30s dies after crash near Rivington Hall Barn

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Man in 30s dies after crash near Rivington Hall Barn

The collision happened shortly after 9pm on Wednesday, March 8 and involved a blue Yamaha off-road motorbike that collided with a car park barrier.

The rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

A woman in her 30s, who was a passenger on the bike, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital but has since been discharged.

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Sergeant Andrew Swindlehurst, from the Lancashire Roads Policing Unit, said: “A man has very sadly died following this collision, and our thoughts remain with him and his loved ones at this difficult time.

“We are in the early stages of our investigation, and I am appealing directly to you, the public, for your assistance.

“If you witnessed this collision, have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, or have any information that could assist us, please do get in touch with us.”

Police are also seeking footage from nearby residential areas that may show the motorbike being ridden prior to the collision.

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Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 1561 of April 8 or email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.

Specially trained officers are supporting the man’s family.

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The Masters 2026 LIVE: Leaderboard and updates as McIlroy storms to two-shot lead

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The Masters 2026 LIVE: Leaderboard and updates as McIlroy storms to two-shot lead

The Masters 2026 – day two

McIlroy bogeys – and loses the outright lead!

An excrutiating putt for Rory at 10, just nipping out.

He now shares the lead with Patrick Reed.

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Leaderboard: -6 McIlroy (10), Reed (12);-5 Rose (F), Reitan (16) – 4 Hatton (F), Clark (F), Li (F), Day (13), Fleetwood (12)

Kieran Jackson10 April 2026 21:45

The Masters 2026 – day two

Patrick Reed moves within one!

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The American is now on -6, and -3 for the day, with a nice birdie at 12.

Norwegian Kristoffer Reitan continues his impressive charge, too – he’s five-under for the day and -5 overall, with another birdie – this time at 15.

Leaderboard: -7 McIlroy (9); -6 Reed (12);-5 Rose (F), Reitan (15) – 4 Hatton (F), Clark (F), Li (F), Day (12), Fleetwood (12)

Kieran Jackson10 April 2026 21:31

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Kieran Jackson10 April 2026 21:20

The Masters 2026 – day two

A massive left-to-right putt for McIlroy, who plays it safe as he rolls it by the hole.

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He’s on -7 as he completes his front-nine. Meanwhile, Fleetwood saves par at 11 – and finds the green safely at the par-3 12th hole.

Leaderboard: -7 McIlroy (9); -5 Rose (F), Reed (11) – 4 Hatton (F), Clark (F), Li (F), Reitan (14), Day (12), Fleetwood (11), Schauffele (10)

Kieran Jackson10 April 2026 21:19

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The Masters 2026 – day two

Tommy Fleetwood very irritated with his approach at 10, which he fades away from the hole.

Still, he’s so in contention here at -4.

Burns, meanwhile, drops another shot. Overnight leader is now -3, four off the lead.

Leaderboard: -7 McIlroy (7); -5 Rose (F), Reed (10) – 4 Hatton (F), Clark (F), Li (F), Reitan (14), Day (12), Fleetwood (10), Schauffele (10)

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Kieran Jackson10 April 2026 21:11

The Masters 2026 – day two

So close to a miraculous birdie for Rory!

After a tetchy build-up, his putt from off the green only JUST misses the hole!

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He’s down on his haunches. Still, a solid par.

Jason Day, meanwhile, drops a shot. Now six players on -4.

Leaderboard: -7 McIlroy (7); -5 Rose (F), Reed (10) – 4 Hatton (F), Clark (F), Li (F), Burns (12), Day (11), Fleetwood (10)

Kieran Jackson10 April 2026 21:02

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The Masters 2026 – day two

Lovely 15-foot putt from Matt Fitzpatrick at 9 which takes him to +1.

McIlroy, in the sand at 8, just lays up to get to the fairway for the par 5.

Bit of trouble for the leader.

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Leaderboard: -7 McIlroy (7); -5 Rose (F); Day (10); Reed (9) – 4 Hatton (F), Clark (F), Burns (11), Li (16); -3 Lowry (9), Griffin (F), Koepka (F), Gotterup (F), Homa (15)

(Getty Images)

Kieran Jackson10 April 2026 20:52

The Masters 2026 – day two

Stunning bunker shot from McIlroy, putting the ball two feet from the hole!

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Near-misses for birdie for Day and Reed, while Burns drops a shot.

Leaderboard: -7 McIlroy (7); -5 Rose (F); Day (10); Reed (9) – 4 Hatton (F), Clark (F), Burns (11), Li (16); -3 Lowry (9), Griffin (F), Koepka (F), Gotterup (F), Homa (15)

Kieran Jackson10 April 2026 20:39

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The Masters 2026 – day two

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre won’t be here for the weekend – he ends on +7.

Projected cut is currently +4. Ex-champion Danny Willett also heading home on +5, as it stands.

Kieran Jackson10 April 2026 20:38

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The Masters 2026 – day two

McIlroy duffs his second into the 7th bunker – work to do for par now.

Leaderboard: -7 McIlroy (6); -5 Rose (F). Burns (10); Day (9); Reed (8) – 4 Hatton (F), Clark (F), Li (16); -3 Lowry (9), Griffin (F), Koepka (F), Gotterup (F), Homa (15)

Kieran Jackson10 April 2026 20:35

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