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NewsBeat

Summer Game Fest 2026 and State of Play – every PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo rumour

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Summer Game Fest 2026 and State of Play - every PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo rumour
What do you think will be announced this week? (Microsoft/Ubisoft/Sony/Nintendo/Metro)

Get ready for a big week in gaming, with at least three separate video game showcases and tons of new trailers and announcements.

This week stands to be one of the most important weeks in gaming this year. A bunch of different preview showcases are scheduled for the coming days, including a new State of Play from Sony, an Xbox showcase, and Summer Game Fest itself.

Although not confirmed, a new Nintendo Direct is also expected to air this month, though not necessarily this week. All of which means that the rumourmill has been going into overdrive, trying to predict what will be shown.

Some games are already confirmed to see previews this week. Sony’s State of Play kicks off with an extended look at the Wolverine game, while Xbox has promised a deep dive on Gears Of War: E-Day and a new Fable trailer to make up for its recent delay.

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That still leaves a lot of potential announcements, so we’ve collated all the biggest rumours from the past several months, as well as common fan theories and predictions, to gauge what could be shown throughout the week.

God Of War spin-off

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Although the last State of Play capped things off with the shadow drop of a new God Of War spin-off, and an announcement for remakes of the original three games, one more God Of War project is still rumoured to be in the works.

This one is said to be in more in-line with the modern Norse games but starring Kratos’ late wife Faye. And supposedly it’s the next project from series developer Santa Monica Studio.

It’d certainly make sense, as Santa Monica hasn’t had a new release since God Of War Ragnarök in 2022 and only assisted with Sons Of Sparta. Plus, those remakes are clearly so far off they’re probably PlayStation 6 games.

Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson has also claimed (or is at least extremely confident) that a new God Of War will appear at the State of Play and that it was apparently meant to be announced in April.

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Naughty Dog

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet hasn’t seen a real update since the 2024 Game Awards reveal, although it’s reportedly aiming for a mid-2027 release. As such, a new trailer to showcase gameplay must be due this year at least, maybe at the 2026 Game Awards if not the State of Play.

Naughty Dog is supposed to have another project in the works so, depending on how development is progressing, Sony could push to have that out first, should Intergalactic be further delayed.

What that second game is has never been clear, although the most popular current theory is that it’s a new Uncharted sequel.

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How to watch Summer Game Fest 2026 and every other showcase this week

All the showcases below are available via YouTube, and usually Twitch and others, so all you have to do is tune in at the right time and let the new trailers wash over you…

PlayStation State Of Play – Tuesday June 2, 10pm BST

Women-Led Games Showcase – Friday June 5, 12am BST

Access-Ability Summer Showcase – Friday June 5, 4pm BST

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Summer Game Fest – Friday June 5, 10pm BST

Day of the Devs – Saturday June 6, 12am BST

Southeast Asian Games Showcase – Saturday, June 6, 4pm BST

Wholesome Direct – Saturday June 6, 5pm BST

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Fellow Traveller’s Story-Rich Showcase – Saturday June 6, 6pm BST

Green Games Showcase – Saturday June 6, 7pm BST

IGN Live – Saturday June 6, 8pm BST & Sunday June 7, 5:30pm BST

Future Games Show – Saturday June 6, 8pm BST

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Xbox Games Showcase – Sunday June 7, 6pm BST

PC Gaming Show – Sunday June 7, 8pm BST

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Venom spin-off

Insomniac’s all but confirmed Venom spin-off is in a weird limbo. After it was infamously leaked, one of the Spider-Man games’ voice actors said earlier this year that it was cancelled due to the passing of Venom’s own actor Tony Todd.

However, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, perhaps the most reliable insider in the games industry, bluntly refuted this, suggesting Insomniac’s still working on it.

With Wolverine out this year, Insomniac could start teasing Venom as its next project, followed by the promised Spider-Man sequel, although that would mean four Marvel projects in a row from Insomniac.

Revivals of older PlayStation IPs

There were rumblings recently of Sony dipping into its retro library for potential revivals and while certainly believable, it’s unclear precisely which games will see such treatment.

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The names Ape Escape and WipEout have been thrown around, as well remasters or re-releases for the inFamous games (without original developer Sucker Punch’s involvement), but there’s so far no concrete evidence for any of them.

Fairgame$/Break In

It’s easy to forget about Fairgames$, as it completely vanished after its 2023 reveal. It’s also easy to assume it might be cancelled, as Sony’s live service game plans have imploded since then… not that that’s stopped the company from pushing through with them anyway.

By all accounts, though, Fairgame$ is still in development and may have even undergone a revamp or at least a rename. Sony recently trademarked the name Break In, which some suspect is the new game for Fairgame$. That would make sense as it fits the game’s bank heist premise and… isn’t completely awful.

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Much like the aforementioned God Of War, Tom Henderson has also stated that he expects to see Fairgame$ during the State of Play.

Crazy Taxi/Jet Set Radio

Sega’s big retro revival initiative has been slow going as only one project – Shinobi: Art Of Vengance – has launched since the initial batch of announcements in 2023. However, the company has unsubtly teased an update for the new Crazy Taxi, which points to a Summer Game Fest reveal and potentially a release this year.

Footage from a new trailer for the Jet Set Radio revival also leaked online recently. It’s only a few seconds long and doesn’t show any gameplay, but that could also feature during Summer Game Fest.

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Virtua Fighter 6

Another Sega revival in the works is its fighting game series Virtua Fighter, which is in development at Yakuza developer RGG Studio and is bound to see an update this week.

That’s because some very legitimate looking gameplay footage leaked online through Chinese social media site bilibili and later Reddit. It also appears to confirm a proper name for the game: Virtua Fighter Crossroads.

Sonic The Hedgehog

This month marks Sonic The Hedgehog’s 35th anniversary, so Sega is bound to at least have a teaser for the next mainline game, especially since Sonic has made appearances at Summer Game Fest the last few years and it’s been four years since Sonic Frontiers.

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A Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition is rumoured to be coming out soon too, although it seems to just be an excuse to get the game on Switch 2, since it apparently doesn’t add anything new and just adds all the free post-launch DLC.

It’s also been suggested a remake of Sonic CD is in the works, which would make sense as the next live action movie in 2027 is clearly taking inspiration from that game.

Alien: Isolation 2

While not confirmed for Summer Game Fest, a proper reveal for Alien: Isolation 2 seems quite likely as developer Creative Assembly posted an extremely vague teaser back in April to mark Alien Day.

Job listings also suggest long-term support for the game, which likely refers to post-launch DLC; something the first game received as well.

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Persona 4 Revival/Persona 6

Since Persona 4 Revival was announced at last year’s Xbox showcase and is speculated to launch in early 2027, it’d be more surprising if a new trailer wasn’t at this year’s Xbox showcase.

What has caught fans off guard, though, is allegedly leaked artwork from the unannounced Persona 6, complete with a rumoured release window of September next year.

None of this guarantees a Persona 6 reveal at any of the upcoming showcases, but this year is the 30th anniversary of the series. And considering Persona 5 was a decade ago, now is the absolutely best time to formally showcase the sequel.

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DC fighting game

NetherRealm Studios is overdue a return to the DC universe and with support for Mortal Kombat 1 wrapped up, it’s generally assumed that an Injustice 3 (which has been discussed, rumoured, and hinted at for years) is next on the docket.

Interestingly, there’s insider chatter that while NetherRealm is working on a DC fighting game, it might not be related to Injustice. This would make sense as Injustice’s premise of a world conquered by an evil Superman is old hat nowadays.

Tomb Raider

The first of the two upcoming Tomb Raider games – Legacy Of Atlantis – is rumoured to have been delay until 2027, but Embracer Group has insisted it’s still on track to launch later this year.

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As such, a new trailer this week is a given, especially since the game will be featured as part of IGN Live, which runs around the same time as Summer Game Fest.

Perhaps developer Crystal Dynamics will have something to share on Tomb Raider: Catalyst too. Although since that lacks a release date beyond a vague 2027 window, it will likely prioritise Legacy Of Atlantis for the time being.

Yooka-Laylee

The original Yooka-Laylee saw an updated remaster/reimagining last year under the name Yooka-Replaylee, but developer Playtonic has been unsubtly teasing something new is on the way.

Aside from updating its profile image on Bluesky to a close-up of Yooka’s eye, it’s posted a couple of teasing statements about how the two title characters are ‘plotting something.’

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More recently, it’s said, ‘Collecting quills is far too slow, there may be faster ways to go,’ which some think is a hint at a Diddy Kong Racing style Mario Kart clone.

Rayman

Ubisoft’s upcoming Rayman plans are common knowledge thanks to how much has leaked about them. For starters, a Rayman Legends remake – Rayman Legends: Retold – is said to debut at the State of Play and launch in October. It will apparently feature new 3D sections and new content, including collaborations with Astro Bot and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

It’s strange that Ubisoft wouldn’t remake predecessor Rayman Origins instead but as it turns out, that game is seeing a straightforward ‘Enhanced Edition’ for modern systems, according to a now deleted listing on the Xbox store. Hilariously, it was listed as costing $2,000, but that’s obviously incorrect.

Assassin's Creed Hexe screenshot of teaser
Assassin’s Creed Hexe could do with an update since it’s lost key members of staff (Ubisoft)

Assassin’s Creed Hexe / Far Cry 7

Speaking of Ubisoft projects, if the company plans to have any big announcements for the summer, it’s going to be either the next Assassin’s Creed or Far Cry game.

Assassin’s Creed Hexe hasn’t had a real update since the initial teaser and is reportedly aiming for a 2027 launch, which makes sense as Ubisoft likes releasing new entries on a regular basis and this year it’s launching a Black Flag remake.

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Ubisoft may not want to start promoting a new Assassin’s Creed until the aforementioned remake is out the door, though, so it might choose to share first official details on Far Cry 7, since it has been nearly five years since Far Cry 6 and the company has promised to have something new for the series out by 2029.

Rumours point to it being a significant shake up to the series formula, but it was recently claimed Ubisoft is using Far Cry 7 as a testing ground for generative AI and that the results ‘look like s***,’ which doesn’t bode well.

New Worms

This one was awfully random but in the midst of an Assassin’s Creed related leak, somebody dropped screenshots and gameplay of an unannounced Worms game.

Intriguingly, it looks to be a cross between the original Worms and XCOM, which already makes it more appealing than the last entry, Worms Rumble. That came out in 2020 and ditched the turn-based tactics gameplay for real-time battle royale action.

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Resident Evil

Last year, Capcom used Summer Game Fest to announce Resident Evil Requiem, so it would be fitting to use the same event to show off the game’s story DLC.

Capcom hasn’t said anything about what the DLC entails, but it’s rumoured to see the return of Ada Wong, who some fans speculate is Leon’s mystery wife.

It’s also been claimed there’ll be two DLC expansions: one that sees Ada team up with series veteran Chris Redfield and another starring Leon and Alyssa Ashcroft, the mother of Requiem protagonist Grace.

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Plus, it’s not impossible for Capcom to start teasing its next Resident Evil remake, now that Requiem is out. The company is believed to have at least three in production for Resident Evil Zero, Code: Veronica, and the very first game.

The Code: Veronica remake is supposedly aiming to launch next year, so it’d make sense for Capcom to have an announcement before the end of 2026.

Street Fighter 6 Year 4 DLC

With the recent addition of Ingrid to Street Fighter 6, Capcom has no more DLC characters confirmed, which means a fourth year of DLC is undoubtedly planned to be announced soon.

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There are rumours about which four characters will be included but the most surprising one is that Capcom is collaborating with Square Enix to add Final Fantasy 7’s Tifa Lockhart.

The initial source of this rumour, RnK_Clan on Reddit, has consistently and accurately leaked previous DLC characters for Street Fighter 6, and added that Tifa will be accompanied by Gouken and Vega (two returning Street Fighter characters) and Final Fight’s Mike Hagger.

Curiously, YouTuber rooflemonger has claimed that this character line-up doesn’t match what he’s heard… except for Tifa, which he was told about by multiple sources.

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Onimusha: Way Of The Sword

Capcom has one last big release for 2026 and that’s its new Onimusha sequel Onimusha: Way Of The Sword. However, it still lacks a concrete release date.

That may change at some point this week as X account asdf – the same source that leaked the logo for the Rayman Legends remake – has claimed the game is scheduled for September 26, though they’ve covered their bases by adding that this info could be outdated.

For what it’s worth, the ever reliable NateTheHate has commented on this rumour, adding that while he can’t corroborate the exact date, Capcom is allegedly targeting a September launch.

Devil May Cry 5 for Switch 2

One last Capcom rumour, 2019’s Devil May Cry 5 is allegedly seeing a Switch 2 port – labelled the Devil Hunter Edition – according to a listing on the Taiwan Digital Game Rating Committee website (per NintendoEverything).

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Listings on ratings boards are typically accurate, although it’s unclear if this will feature any new content or just be a straightforward port that includes the Vergil and Bloody Palace DLC.

Regardless, a Devil May Cry 5 re-release makes sense to capitalise on the Nintendo audience and the success of the Devil May Cry Netflix show. If this were to be announced anywhere, though, it’d probably be during a Nintendo Direct.

Hopefully, this is also Capcom letting new fans get up to speed on the most recent entry so they’re prepared for a Devil May Cry 6, which feels overdue at this point.

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FromSoftware

FromSoftware currently has only one confirmed game, which is Switch 2 multiplayer exclusive The Duskbloods and is meant to be launching before the end of 2026.

Despite the lack of updates since last year’s reveal, it is claimed by NateTheHate to be out in late 2026 and FromSoftware’s parent company, Kadokawa Corporation, still has it listed for a 2026 launch in its latest fiscal report.

If this is going to be shown anywhere, it will be at a Nintendo Direct, although we wouldn’t be surprised if it winds up being pushed back into early 2027.

It was claimed last year that FromSoftware is aiming to have two games out in 2026. What exactly this second project could be isn’t clear, but there’s speculation it could be a previously rumoured remaster of Dark Souls 3.

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There’s also a rumour of FromSoftware working on an unannounced pirate game titled Cerulean Onslaught, but while the idea is popular with fans, the source is dubious and should be taken with a considerable serving of salt.

Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve

Ace Combat 8 was announced at last year’s The Game Awards with a tentative 2026 release window, which is likely to mean late summer or early autumn – assuming it doesn’t want to take on GTA 6.

That’s because the website for PEGI, the European ratings board, has the game listed to launch across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on May 30.

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Obviously, this is a placeholder, since it’s June now and the game’s not out, but at the very least this could point to a new trailer that will confirm a proper release date.

Tides Of Annihilation

As a reminder, Tides Of Annihilation is a new fantasy action game based on Arthurian legend from Chinese studio Eclipse Glow Games, which was announced early last year during a State of Play.

Eclipse Glow recently announced that it’s running a hands-on event this summer, so people can actually try the game for themselves. You’d think that might mean a public demo during Summer Game Fest, although Eclipse Glow has so far made no mention of the event.

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At the very least, there could be a new trailer to accompany it this week, during one of the showcases. Perhaps the game will even be ready to launch later this year.

Will new gaming hardware be announced this week?

Both Sony and Microsoft have new consoles supposedly targeting a 2027 launch, but you shouldn’t expect either of them to even be mentioned during their respective showcases.

Microsoft has already ruled out discussing Project Helix, as it wants to focus on its games. Sony hasn’t said anything about showcasing new hardware at the State of Play and since Microsoft has no immediate plans for Helix, Sony’s under no pressure to show off the PlayStation 6 either.

As for Nintendo, while the Switch 2 is still only a year old, there are suspicions that the company is planning a Switch 2 Lite or at least some kind of hardware revision sooner than anticipated.

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It would make a lot of sense for Nintendo to release a Switch 2 Lite since it would presumably be less expensive than the regular model and thus more appealing to new customers. Especially since the regular Switch 2 is going up in price later this year.

Kingdom Come

Warhorse Studios already elected to announce its next two projects ahead of any showcases: a new Kingdom Come game and a Lord Of The Rings themed open world role-playing game.

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The latter is presumably years away from coming out, but that Kingdom Come game is already slated to launch either next year or in early 2028, which suggests it’s a much smaller project built on the bones of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.

If so, Warhorse may already have something to show of it this week, although if it does, we’d have to question why it didn’t wait to announce the game through a teaser trailer rather than a boring social media post.

Lego Skylines

Possibly the weirdest potential Summer Game Fest announcement, something called Lego Skylines was spotted on the Game Rating and Administration Committee of Korea’s website last month.

This not only suggests an incoming announcement but that it will launch relatively soon too. As the name suggests, it sounds like a Lego version of city building sim Cities: Skylines.

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Lego is a perfect fit for a city builder, although we have to imagine this isn’t being handled by Traveller’s Tales, since it’s only just released Lego Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight.

Star Wars Zero Company/Star Wars Jedi 3

As a cross between Star Wars and XCOM, Star Wars Zero Company is easily one of our most anticipated games of 2026. It’s supposed to be out this year, but progress on it has been quiet since last year’s reveal.

There was, thankfully, a meaty and very positive preview of the game from PC Gamer in March and, just like Lego Skylines, a listing was spotted on the Korean ratings website.

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This is a positive sign that Zero Company will be out before the end of 2026 and since Star Wars Day came and went with no update, a new trailer at Summer Game Fest feels like a strong possibility.

The next question is whether this will come out before or after Star Wars: Galactic Racer, which has a concrete release date of October 6.

There’s also the matter of Star Wars Jedi 3, which EA teased as the last entry in Respawn’s trilogy of Jedi games starring Cal Kestis. There was a four year gap between the previous two games, which launched in 2019 and 2023, respectively, so the third game could potentially launch within the next couple of years and thus warrant a formal announcement sooner rather than later.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3

Given the four year gap between Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, it’s not unreasonable to assume the third and final part of the trilogy will launch sometime in 2028.

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However, with Part 3’s development reportedly progressing well and 2027 marking the 30th anniversary of the original Final Fantasy 7, there’s speculation that Square Enix could have the game ready by next year.

There is also enough evidence pointing to a proper reveal taking place soon. For starters, director Naoki Hamaguchi told Comicbook in April that ‘preparations toward the announcement are steadily underway.’

Not only that, but with both Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth now on Switch 2 and Xbox, fans across all platforms are fully caught up with the story, which would lead perfectly into a reveal for Part 3, especially if it’s multiplatform at launch.

Plus, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was the final reveal of Summer Game Fest 2023, so it’d be fitting if the show repeated this for Part 3. Although, alternatively, Sony could have enough sway to include it as part of the State of Play.

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Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts 4 was announced in 2022 and since then, all Square Enix has shown of it are a handful of screenshots, which it only shared last year as a means of placating fans after it cancelled mobile spin-off Missing Link.

There have been some rumours and alleged leaks about the game since then, but nothing concrete, and although there are some hopes it will make a grand return this week, there’s no firm evidence to support them.

What’s far more plausible is an announcement for native Switch 2 ports of all the older Kingdom Hearts games, which infamously only saw cloud versions on the Switch 1.

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This has been rumoured/speculated for a while and the flames were only further flamed when it was claimed that the demos for said cloud versions had been removed, but we checked the Switch eShop ourselves and they’re still there.

Even so, dedicated Switch 2 ports seem inevitable and could be featured at a Nintendo Direct. Alternatively, Square Enix and Disney may be saving Kingdom Hearts news for this year’s D23 convention in August.

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Baldur’s Gate remakes

According to PC Gamer, the first two Baldur’s Gate games are apparently getting the remake treatmen, although not from Baldur’s Gate 3 developer Larian Studios, since it’s busy with its next Divinity game.

Details are otherwise scarce, so these remakes may not even be announced this week or even this year, but it’d make sense for Hasbro and Wizards Of The Coast to greenlight them.

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Baldur’s Gate 4 isn’t happening for a very long time, so appeasing fans with updated remakes of the older games is the most obvious way of keeping the brand alive till then.

Minecraft Dungeons 2

Trying to predict what new games Xbox will announce at its showcase is extremely difficult, especially since there have been no major rumours and the company has multiple games it’s been promising for years that still lack release windows, like State Of Decay 3 and Clockwork Revolution. Not to mention it cancelled a bunch of games last year.

One thing guaranteed to be shown, though, is Minecraft Dungeons 2 since that was already announced back in March but only with a brief teaser trailer. So, there’s bound to be a proper gameplay demonstration, especially since they can springboard it off the news that the second Minecraft movie’s official title is A Minecraft Movie Squared.

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Halo

The Halo: Combat Evolved remake is also guaranteed to make an appearance, since it’s launching later this year and currently lacks a firm release date.

A Halo Infinite leaker has suggested it could launch in early access on July 23, followed by a full release on July 28, which would make sense as Xbox has nothing major scheduled for the summer.

What’s less clear is whether Xbox will take a moment to announce or even tease a brand new Halo game. One certainly seems to be in development, as an old job listing refers to something called Halo Next.

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Additionally, regular Halo leaker Rebs Gaming has claimed that work on a sequel to Halo Infinite has begun, which is something Xbox could at least confirm to be the case, even if it doesn’t show anything of it.

The Elder Scrolls 6/Fallout

It wouldn’t be shocking if Xbox treated one or two of its new announcements as a bigger deal than they really are, but if there’s one game that would warrant it, it’d be The Elder Scrolls 6.

Even if it’s just another teaser, updates on the game’s progress have been fleeting since the 2018 announcement. Former Xbox boss Phil Spencer once suggested it could launch as early as 2028 and there was even a rumour it could arrive next year.

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Either way, any sort of update on The Elder Scrolls 6 would be an easy win, especially if it comes with a release window.

Even if that game remains absent, though, Xbox is bound to have something from Bethesda to show off. The most likely possibility is the long-rumoured Fallout 3 remaster, especially if it’s out this August – as some tie-in merchandise has suggested.

GTA 6

There is frankly no telling when Rockstar plans to share a new trailer for GTA 6. Publisher Take-Two did say marketing would begin in the summer and there’s no sign of another delay, meaning the game should actually launch in November.

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However, if/when GTA 6 does make a reappearance this summer (with legitimate pre-order details this time), it’s unlikely to do so at any of the big showcases.

The last two trailers released independently and considering they garnered millions of views, faster than most major movie trailers, GTA 6 clearly doesn’t need a State of Play or Summer Game Fest to help promote it.

As such, any new trailer may not drop until much later into June, or later, which may be for the best since a release this week would easily overshadow every other game announcement.

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Mario Kart World

Although the Nintendo Direct is currently rumoured to air later this month, there’s been some scuttlebutt about it potentially dropping this week. That seems far less likely given Nintendo’s habits in recent years but either way, we want to touch upon Nintendo’s potential summer announcements.

One that’s especially overdue is DLC for Mario Kart World. The game’s almost a year old and though there have been smaller, free updates, no DLC plans have ever been mentioned. There have been hints of Donkey Kong-related content, but even without them, DLC is guaranteed to be in the works simply because it’d make Nintendo a lot of money.

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has even referred to Mario Kart World as an ‘evergreen’ game he wants people buying throughout the Switch 2’s lifecycle, which is the closest Nintendo’s got to saying it does have DLC in the pipeline.

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Pokémon Pokopia

The overwhelming success of Pokémon Pokopia no doubt caught Nintendo off-guard, as it did everyone else. The game is receiving free post-launch support, but its popularity could very well encourage Nintendo to fast track some proper DLC expansions.

In fact, it’s been claimed that the infamous teraleak from 2024 included plans to add new areas to Pokémon Pokopia as DLC. Even if this is accurate, those plans could very well have changed, but Nintendo clearly recognises the value of pushing Pokopia, as evidenced by a new Switch 2 bundle that includes the game.

Anyone expecting new footage for Pokémon Winds and Waves will probably be left wanting, though,since that game’s not due till 2027 so it’s not an immediate priority for Nintendo.

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Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave

A new Fire Emblem game was announced last September and though there have been no updates since, Nintendo still has it listed for a 2026 launch and it’s rumoured to be part of the company’s summer line-up.

As such, a more in-depth look at the game could be part of the next Nintendo Direct. Nintendo’s recent tendency to drop new trailers through its Nintendo Today app, though, means it could just as easily make an appearance there, on a random Tuesday or something.

Super Smash Bros.

Since Kirby Air Riders support wrapped up very shortly after launch, and pointedly has no DLC plans, director Masahiro Sakurai has no doubt been sent back into the Super Smash Bros. mines by Nintendo.

Like Mario Kart World, it makes too much sense not to have a new Super Smash Bros. – be it wholly original or an updated Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with extra characters – to launch early into the Switch 2’s lifecycle, so it can be supported for years to come as an evergreen title.

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YouTuber and game developer interviewer Kiwi Talkz has suggested that something Smash related is coming within the next couple of years, but whether that’s a brand new game or a re-release is something he refused to specify.

If it is new, Nintendo may elect to wait till next year to start talking about it, but if there’s one game it could arguably afford to announce extra early, it’s a new Smash Bros. since even the mere promise could help shift Switch 2 units.

Ocarina Of Time remake and more

The big Nintendo rumour is that it’s remaking The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time this year, potentially as its big Christmas release, which would make it in a easy pick for a ‘one last thing’ during the next Direct.

It’d also be a smart way of drumming up anticipation for next year’s live action movie, even if it appears to be its own thing and not a direct adaptation of Ocarina Of Time.

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There are several smaller Nintendo related rumours circulating online as well, including a Super Metroid remake, a new Wario Land for 2027, and Switch 2 Edition of Pikmin 4 – all of which could feasibly be used to fill up a general Direct.

As for the next 3D Super Mario game, that’s claimed to not be coming till 2027, so Nintendo may choose to withhold showing anything of that until next year.

Link riding his horse Epona through a large grassy field in Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
It was also The Legend Of Zelda’s 40th anniversary in February (Nintendo)

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NewsBeat

What happens if Sir Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister?

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What happens if Sir Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister?

Here are some key questions:

How do candidates enter the contest?

Labour’s rules mean even getting onto the ballot can be a complex process.

First, candidates must secure the backing of 81 Labour MPs, 20% of the party’s parliamentary strength.

Sir Keir Starmer (Image: PA MEDIA)

They then need to receive nominations from either 5% of constituency Labour parties, or three affiliated organisations (which must include two trade unions) which represent 5% of affiliated membership.

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Only after passing those two stages will candidates go before the party membership.

Who could stand in a contest?

Andy Burnham’s decision to stand in the Makerfield by-election – giving up the Greater Manchester mayoralty to become an MP – suggests he believes he has the necessary backing from the parliamentary party to get onto the ballot.

Former health secretary Wes Streeting has repeatedly insisted he has the 81 names required to mount a leadership bid, and has spent the weeks since his resignation setting out his stall.

Former Royal Marines officer Al Carns, who quit as armed forces minister in a row over defence funding and the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans, has also hinted he would seek to enter a leadership race, although it is unclear whether the MP – who was only elected in 2024 – has the supporters required to get on the ballot paper.

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How would a Labour leadership contest work?

After a leadership hopeful nails down 81 backers in the Commons and support from constituency parties and trade unions, candidates are then put to a vote among party members, who rank them in order of preference.

A contender is declared the winner if they get more than 50% of first preferences, and this usually happens through a process of elimination during rounds of voting, the timetable for which is set by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC).

How long will this take?

Labour’s NEC will set the timetable for the whole election, including how long potential candidates have to secure nominations and how long members will be able to vote.

The party’s last leadership contest, in 2020, ran for around three months, with nominations opening in early January and the result announced in early April.

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NEC sources have previously suggested there is little appetite for a long contest, with a maximum of two months being floated.

But Mr Burnham’s supporters have suggested a “transition” period that would see the new leader take over in September, which would mean a longer contest.

What would a coronation look like?

Andy Burnham’s significant support among the parliamentary party could mean he ends up as the only candidate.

With no need for a membership ballot, that scenario could see the contest wrapped up within a matter of weeks or even days.

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But given Mr Burnham’s apparent preference for a three-month “transition” period to allow him to prepare for government, it is unclear what would happen next in the event he was the only candidate.

Insisting on a transition would leave Sir Keir as a lame duck over a period that includes a Nato summit where countries are expected to set out plans to increase defence spending, and a UK-EU summit in Brussels seen as crucial to Labour’s attempts to reset relations with the bloc.

There is some precedent for such a coronation, however. Gordon Brown was the only candidate to receive enough nominations in Labour’s 2007 leadership election more than a month before Tony Blair formally stepped down as prime minister.

In that period, Mr Brown still attended leadership hustings around the country to set out his ideas and attempt to win over the public.

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Mystery deepens in Charlie Kirk case as court examines disputed evidence discussion

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Mystery deepens in Charlie Kirk case as court examines disputed evidence discussion

A Utah judge is set to decide Monday whether prosecutors crossed a line with public comments about evidence in the murder case against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Defense attorneys for Robinson are asking Judge Tony Graf to prevent prosecutors from pursuing the death penalty, arguing that statements made to the media about a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body could unfairly influence potential jurors.

The dispute centers on comments from the Utah County Attorney’s Office after the defense revealed that early testing was inconclusive on whether the bullet fragment matched the firearm investigators say was used in the shooting.

The Utah judge in the murder case over Charlie Kirk's killing says he will rule Monday whether prosecutors could face sanctions for comments to the media about a bullet fragment recovered from the conservative activist’s body
The Utah judge in the murder case over Charlie Kirk’s killing says he will rule Monday whether prosecutors could face sanctions for comments to the media about a bullet fragment recovered from the conservative activist’s body (AFP/Getty)

Robinson’s attorneys accused prosecutors, including Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard, of attempting to shape public opinion by discussing the ballistics evidence outside the courtroom. They argued the comments could damage Robinson’s chances of receiving a fair trial.

Prosecutors pushed back, saying they responded only after speculation surrounding the case spread publicly. Ballard told the court he did not disclose specific details about the evidence and spoke only in general terms about the challenges of ballistics testing.

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The high-profile case has drawn intense attention and fueled unverified theories online, including speculation about possible additional suspects. Authorities and attorneys have expressed concern that misinformation could complicate efforts to select an impartial jury.

Tyler Robinson, who is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, on Dec. 11
Tyler Robinson, who is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, on Dec. 11 (Rick Egan/Pool The Salt Lake Tri)

Legal experts say the defense request is unlikely to succeed. Paul Cassell, a University of Utah law professor and former federal judge, said courts typically handle concerns about media coverage by carefully screening potential jurors rather than blocking prosecutors from seeking the maximum punishment.

“It would be extraordinary” for the judge to remove the death penalty option over the comments, Cassell said.

Robinson, 23, of southwestern Utah, has not entered a plea. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted of aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 killing of Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump who was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Kirk (R) and and his wife Erika Lane Frantzve (L) on stage during the Turning Point USA Inaugural-Eve Ball at the Salamander Hotel on January 19, 2025
Kirk (R) and and his wife Erika Lane Frantzve (L) on stage during the Turning Point USA Inaugural-Eve Ball at the Salamander Hotel on January 19, 2025 (Getty)

Judge Graf held a hearing last week on whether prosecutors should face sanctions over their remarks. Robinson’s attorneys also pointed to a separate Utah case involving prosecutorial conduct and argued that limiting the death penalty could be an available remedy in extreme circumstances.

A key hearing is scheduled for July 6-10, when prosecutors must present evidence showing the case should proceed to trial.

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Why Labour’s 1.5 million new homes target is unachievable

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Why Labour’s 1.5 million new homes target is unachievable

The Government’s plan for 1.5 million homes is doomed.

Governments don’t build houses. Builders do. But no one builds at a loss or for a miserable profit that doesn’t reward risk or effort.

In 1988 there were more than 12,000 small/medium registered builders.

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By 2017 less than 3,000 survived because of increased costs, unrealistic demands and over regulation.

Traditional family firms in York were squeezed out when York Council hiked “affordable” targets from 25 per cent to 50 per cent while reducing the threshold from 25 to 15 dwellings; a ludicrous two dwellings in villages.

As predicted by myself and Paul Cordock planning applications dried up and outturn plummeted – despite City of York Council claiming hostel bed spaces and Lawful Use certificates as new homes.

York’s council blamed anyone but its own policies. Particularly the banks; but many builders had cash reserves and didn’t need to borrow.

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Those that did couldn’t receive funding because financiers would not take risks where “affordable” demands stripped out profits leaving no headroom for contingencies.

There is a reason why many more homes were built in the 60s and 70s and why people could afford to buy them. There wasn’t the excessive regulations and financial burdens that have since been heaped upon house builders.

Today, even big companies are struggling. They pick and choose sites to proceed and are scaling back operations. Apprenticeships are reduced and the skilled workforce declines. Many entrepreneurs have left the industry. Newcomers are rare because the incentive has largely been destroyed.

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Those of us with a lifetime’s construction experience know Labour’s housing targets are unachievable.

Matthew Laverack,

Retired architect and housebuilder,

Lord Mayors Walk,

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Keir Starmer resignation LIVE as Prime Minister faces pressure to announce departure from Downing Street

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Daily Record

The Daily Record first backed calls for Keir Starmer to resign in February. In an editorial column published after Labour was thrashed in the Gorton by-election, losing heavily to the Greens, we said the PM should do the honourable thing and walk away.

The Record View stated: “If Starmer cannot win a suburban seat in Greater Manchester where Labour previously enjoyed a thumping majority, he cannot win anywhere.

“The PM can complain all he likes about Reform and the Greens running populist campaigns which offer voters nothing but a bunch of easy answers.

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“But many voters are looking for an alternative to Labour and the Tories – and both of these traditional left and right parties are in turmoil as a result.”

Read the full Record View

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US, Iranian negotiators enter 2nd day of talks after rough start

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US, Iranian negotiators enter 2nd day of talks after rough start

OBBUERGEN, Switzerland (AP) — Negotiators from the U.S. and Iran were set to engage in a second day of talks Monday to solidify a permanent end to the war between the countries, after a first day of mediation began with a rocky start.

Mediators Qatar and Pakistan hailed what they called “encouraging progress” made during the talks as Iran and the United States agreed to create a “de-confliction cell” to address the fighting in Lebanon. A senior U.S. diplomat claimed progress on multiple fronts, including the establishment of “mechanisms” to ensure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy shipments, remains open and that a ceasefire in southern Lebanon holds.

Yet the first full day of talks between the U.S. and Iran, who were accompanied by Qatari and Pakistani officials, was jolted by blistering statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who from thousands of miles away from the Swiss negotiating venue at a mountainside resort near Lake Lucerne was firing off comments that offended the Iranians.

Iranian state media said talks had paused after the “publication of an insulting message by the U.S. President.” The Iranian delegation then met with Qatari mediators and left the negotiating site, state media said. The senior U.S. diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief journalists on the ongoing talks, said late Sunday that the Iranians remained on site and the negotiations were on.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had vowed to “never back down from the right to enrich uranium,” according to state media, and Trump later told Fox News in a phone interview that Pezeshkian should watch what he says and also threatened to take over Iran, according to one of the news channel’s correspondents.

Trump also continued to issue warnings against Iran on social media, posting as negotiators worked: “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!”

The chief negotiators for the U.S. include JD Vance, the vice president; special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of the president. Iran is represented by Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

It’s unclear when Vance will depart Switzerland, although he told Fox News in an interview Saturday that he anticipates staying only a “day or two.” Kushner and Witkoff are handling much of the technical details on behalf of the U.S. delegation.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Qatar said the high-level talks had ended and that technical negotiations would continue in Switzerland for the rest of the week. The statement said the sides had agreed to establish a “communication line” to ensure safe passage of ships in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a mechanism to bring about an end to the fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The U.S. offered no immediate comment, while Iran praised the meditators’ work.

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Araghchi wrote on X that Pakistani and Qatari mediators delivered “major progress to end the Lebanon War.” He added that the first “real test” of negotiations would be whether the mechanism succeeded in halting the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The senior U.S. diplomat said among the issues discussed was Iran’s messaging as it related to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran’s military said it closed Saturday in response to continued fighting in Lebanon. U.S. Central Command has disputed that Iran closed the strait again.

The interim deal to end the fighting in Iran, signed last week by the leaders of the U.S. and Iran, outlines a 60-day period for negotiators to settle the future of Tehran’s nuclear program amid concerns that it wants to use it for military purposes, a claim Iran denies. The fate of frozen Iranian assets, among other thorny issues, are also on the agenda.

Though the talks will encompass a vast array of complex matters, Iran first wants to focus on addressing the fighting in Lebanon.

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Saturday’s renewed ceasefire in Lebanon appeared to be holding, and Israel’s military said it would lift movement restrictions for residents near the Israel-Lebanon border on Monday morning. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a signatory to the U.S.-Iran deal.

There was cautious calm Monday in Lebanon, with no Israeli strikes reported overnight after a day of quiet Sunday. Hezbollah likewise has not announced any attacks on Israeli forces since Saturday.

The lull in fighting in Lebanon is the longest since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war on March 2.

___

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Kim reported from Washington. Associated Press reporters Abby Sewell in Beirut, David Rising in Bangkok and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this story.

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BBC Silent Witness fans urged to watch ‘perfect’ detective drama

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Wales Online

The series stars Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis fans are comparing the forensic crime drama to a long-running hit.

Enthusiasts of detective dramas are encouraging others to discover a crime series adapted from a book collection of the same title.

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The eight-part series, which has secured a second season and features an impressive ensemble cast, centres on a forensic pathologist who employs her expertise to crack criminal cases.

With Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis leading the cast, the eagerly awaited programme is now streaming on Prime Video and has drawn comparisons to established favourites such as Silent Witness.

Scarpetta is the series attracting attention, with Kidman portraying Kay Scarpetta, a gifted forensic pathologist who utilises cutting-edge forensic techniques to solve mysteries.

The programme draws from Patricia Cornwell’s novels, with the protagonist modelled on former Virginia Chief Medical Examiner, Marcella Farinelli Fierro.

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Viewers have flocked to IMDb to express their views, with one describing it as an “excellent” interpretation of the books.

They continued: “Being a long-time fan of the UK’s Silent Witness, I see this as a US series in a similar vein. I read a couple of Patricia Cornwell novels some years ago.

“I recall thinking they were tough going and stopped reading any more. So imagine my surprise at being blown away by such a great show.

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“The acting, the plotting, the switching between the past and present iterations of the main characters, all were extremely well done and entertaining.

“Everyone involved is at the top of their game in my opinion.”

Another viewer enthused: “This series absolutely captures the novels which are so much more than murders. The characters are very complex and rich.

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“Show writers got it. Even the soundtrack of the show honours the books. It’s GREAT! Casting is fantastic. Like perfect- all the naysayers are just irritated it didn’t fit the mould they created visually in their mind.

“Watch it. You like mysteries and well-developed characters? Then you’ll enjoy the ride.”

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A further fan added: “Omg such a fun, twisty mystery! Love the performances – could watch Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis fight all day!”

Production on the second series got under way in March 2026, with Jamie Lee Curtis taking to Instagram to announce: “We are in the middle of it, we are having such a good time. Thanks so much for your loving support.”

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Scarpetta is streaming on Prime Video.

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New play area opens in Motherwell

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Daily Record

Delivered by North Lanarkshire Council’s Community Partnership Team, the project was shaped through engagement with local residents to ensure the space reflects what families wanted to see in the area.

Children and families in the Jerviston area of Motherwell have been enjoying the opening of a brand-new play area designed with the local community at its heart.

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The new facility was officially opened on 16 June by Councillor Geraldine Woods alongside Our Lady & St Francis Primary School pupil, Wiktoria, whose winning entry in the local “Design-a-Sign” competition now welcomes visitors at the entrance to the park.

Delivered by North Lanarkshire Council’s Community Partnership Team, the project was shaped through engagement with local residents to ensure the space reflects what families wanted to see in the area.

The new play area offers something for all ages, with a multi-play unit, accessible roundabout and trampoline, climbing equipment, cableway and a range of swings including a basket swing. Picnic benches have also been added to create a welcoming space for parents, carers and families to spend time together.

Located beside the existing MUGA facility, it provides even more opportunities for children and young people to play, be active and enjoy time outdoors.

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Councillor Geraldine Woods, NLC’s Convener of Communities, said: “It’s fantastic to see this new play area open and already being enjoyed by local children and families. What makes it even more special is that local young people helped shape it from the beginning.

“Spaces like this do much more than provide somewhere to play. They help bring communities together, encourage healthier lifestyles and create places where children can make memories, build confidence and simply enjoy being outdoors. We’re proud to support projects that make a real difference locally.”

Funded through £100,000 from the Local Development Programme and the Scottish Government, the investment forms part of ongoing work to improve local spaces and create places where communities can thrive.

Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter

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How weight loss pills are changing how the country spends and snacking

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How weight loss pills are changing how the country spends and snacking

The widespread adoption of weight loss medications could fundamentally alter consumer shopping habits and influence retailers’ product offerings, according to new research.

GLP-1s, the scientific term for these drugs, are already impacting spending patterns across the UK.

However, the recent approval of the first oral pill in this category is expected to accelerate this shift significantly, a study by PwC Strategy& has found.

The number of people in the UK using GLP-1s is projected to rise from approximately three million to seven million by 2027.

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Earlier this month, the UK’s medicines regulator approved the Wegovy tablet, manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

Chemist4U reported that over 10,000 people have already joined a waiting list for a consultation ahead of the pill’s anticipated launch, with many expressing interest having never previously used GLP-1 injections.

These medications function by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating, thereby reducing food cravings and promoting a feeling of fullness.

Supermarkets, food chains and brands have already been introducing new products to cater to the growing number of people with reduced appetites, with Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Greggs among those introducing nutrient-rich meals
Supermarkets, food chains and brands have already been introducing new products to cater to the growing number of people with reduced appetites, with Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Greggs among those introducing nutrient-rich meals

PwC found that the oral pill could accelerate a shift in habits that was already under way, with spending being reallocated across categories including food, nutrition, fitness and wellness.

Some 70 per cent of GLP-1 users are spending less in appetite-led categories such as snacks, confectionary and crisps, while 60 per cent are spending more on fresh food, the study showed.

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A total of 40 per cent are spending more on products that support nutrition, fitness and confidence such as vitamins and supplements, the study showed.

More than 80 per cent of those who had stopped treatment said they had maintained at least some of the dietary and grocery changes they adopted while taking medication.

Supermarkets, food chains and brands have already been introducing new products to cater to the growing number of people with reduced appetites, with Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Greggs among those introducing nutrient-rich meals.

GLP-1 users represent a mix of genders, ages and incomes, PwC’s study found, which it said suggested that the medication was becoming mainstream.

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GLP-1s are already influencing spending habits across the UK but the approval of the first oral pill this month will drive a more powerful shift, PwC Strategy& found in a study
GLP-1s are already influencing spending habits across the UK but the approval of the first oral pill this month will drive a more powerful shift, PwC Strategy& found in a study

Women account for 60 per cent of current users, and 80 per cent are aged between 25 and 54.

About 70 per cent of users are accessing the medication privately, rather than being prescribed it through the NHS, according to the research.

The accountancy giant’s strategy consulting unit surveyed 2,300 UK adults for the report.

Jacqueline Windsor, head of retail at PwC UK, said: “GLP-1 is the most consumerised medication today.

“Users express renewed confidence and energy that are shaping their demand for nutritious food, fitness routine and wardrobe refresh – which represent a basket reallocation rather than reduction of spend.”

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She added that consumer businesses were likely to “reshape their portfolios” and “innovate to capture changing preferences”.

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Wowcher ‘extremely sorry’ for ‘unacceptable’ email mocking boy attacked by crocodile

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Cambridgeshire Live

The email was sent out to customers on Saturday, two days after the three-year-old boy was attacked by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire

Wowcher has apologised “unreservedly” for what it described as “unacceptable” wording in a marketing email that appeared to make light of a crocodile attack on a three-year-old boy at a zoo.

The youngster remains in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge following Thursday’s incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon. It is understood he was attacked by at least one crocodile after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure.

On Saturday, customers of the Wowcher e-commerce platform received an email promoting “special deals” on getaways and activities, bearing the subject line: “Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid.”

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Public outrage quickly mounted as screenshots of the email were widely circulated across social media platforms and bulletin boards.

Norwich Norfolk UK Community Notice Board posted: “Why do wowcher think its ok to use this as a heading on their emails??”

One customer described themselves as “now unsubscribed”, while another condemned it as “disgusting”, adding “if that’s real someone needs to be fired”.

A further customer wrote: “Emailed them back but no answer. Won’t be using them again for sure, even if its a poor effort at a joke somehow.”

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A Wowcher spokesperson said: “We are extremely sorry for an email subject line sent by Wowcher yesterday. The wording was unacceptable. It should never have been written. It was never approved for use.

“The responsibility sits with us and we are urgently reviewing how our processes failed. We recognise the hurt and distress it has caused, particularly for the young child’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.

“We are reviewing all scheduled marketing content while we urgently strengthen our creative, approval and sign-off safeguards. There is no excuse for this. We apologise unreservedly and will take the necessary steps to make sure this does not happen again.”

A 30-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the boy ended up in the enclosure, reportedly has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with a carer.

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Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that the arrested man, from Norfolk, was “assessed as not being fit for interview”. He has since been released on bail until September 18.

Officers were called to the zoo at 1.24pm on Thursday by the ambulance service, following reports that the boy, who was not known to the man, had suffered serious injuries.

Cambridgeshire Police stated the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”.

Tracey Johnson, wife of the zoo owner, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.

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Police confirmed the boy “received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital”.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann previously said: “Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”

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LNER issues hot weather warning for Darlington and Durham trains

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LNER issues hot weather warning for Darlington and Durham trains

LNER has introduced temporary ticket flexibility for some passengers to help them travel at cooler times.

Passengers travelling from Durham or Darlington on Monday, June 22, or Friday, June 26, should use their booked train as normal.

Darlington Train Station (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Those booked to travel on Tuesday, June 23, can use an earlier LNER train on the same day.

LNER is advising people to travel before midday if they can.

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Tickets for June 23 can also be used on any LNER train on Monday, June 22.

Passengers booked for Wednesday, June 24, can also travel earlier on the same day, preferably before midday.

Their tickets can also be used on any LNER train on Monday, June 22, or Friday, June 26.

Anyone booked to travel on Thursday, June 25, can take an earlier LNER train on the same day or travel on any LNER service on Friday, June 26.

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The advice applies to LNER passengers using stations including Durham and Darlington.

It may also affect people travelling to or from places such as Newcastle, York, Doncaster, Edinburgh and London King’s Cross.

Passengers do not need to change their ticket if they use one of the alternative LNER services allowed under the easements. However, LNER recommends booking a new seat reservation, which can be done free of charge.

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People using connecting trains with another operator should check that company’s advice separately.

Customers booked to travel on June 23, 24 or 25 who decide not to travel can claim a full refund from where they bought their ticket.

LNER is advising passengers to carry water, wait in the shade or a station waiting room, and speak to staff if they feel unwell.

There are currently no planned timetable changes, but passengers should check their journey before setting off.

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