Letitia James appointed special prosecutor in alleged gang-rape at Cornell 02. October 2026 (03:08) New York attorney general brought in by governor after recent questions raised over university’s 2024 investigationKathy Hochul, the New York governor, said on Thursday she is appointing Letitia James, the state’s attorney general, as special prosecutor to investigate the alleged gang-rape at Cornell University.“The young woman at the center of this case deserves to know that every fact will be examined and justice pursued,” Hochul said in a statement. “This action will ensure that the matter is fully and thoroughly investigated without conflict or bias, and handled independently with the rigor that this matter demands.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
SpaceX flight led by first Black female commander sets US speed record 02. October 2026 (02:50) Four astronauts pulled up at International Space Station after eight-hour express flight led by Jessica WatkinsFour astronauts pulled up at the International Space Station on Thursday after launching on an eight-hour express that set a US speed record, and that created further history with the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit.SpaceX launched commander Jessica Watkins and her crew for Nasa after a three-week delay to fix their Dragon capsule’s leaking fuel system. Thick clouds threatened all morning to halt the countdown but in the end, the skies cleared enough to allow for a safe liftoff. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Kanye West’s sold-out Russia concerts cancelled, organisers confirm 02. October 2026 (02:41) Russia’s foreign ministry had called planned shows unacceptable due to rapper’s ‘glorification’ of Adolf HitlerTwo sold-out shows that Kanye West was due to play in Russia have been cancelled after weeks of confusion, organisers have confirmed.The US rapper, who now goes by the name Ye, had been due to perform at the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg on 10 and 11 October.Press Association contributed to this report Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Drumcree talks end without agreement 02. October 2026 (01:17) Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant described the the situation as being between a ‘rock and a hard place’(London News)
Enter Shikari announce indefinite hiatus from 2027: ‘We don’t think we’re splitting up’ 02. October 2026 (01:12) Rock band will still tour the UK, Europe and US over the next year but say decision to ‘fall dormant’ feels ‘liberating’The British rock band Enter Shikari have announced they will go on hiatus at the end of 2027, a decision that may result in the band’s “extinction”.The St Albans band, who formed in 1999 as Hybryd, are due to tour the UK in November, Europe and the US next year, and said they hoped to play some of their favourite places “one last time”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Falling glass and ‘decapitated’ plants: the race to protect Edinburgh botanic garden’s plants 02. October 2026 (01:01) After five years of work, 5,750 panels of toughened glass will help keep hundred of plants safe from Scottish winters – but more work needs to be doneIn the early autumn sunlight, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s extensive plant collection appears safe in their glass enclosures. But danger lurks from above for the tropical ferns, cycads and rare alpine heathers.Soon the September sunshine will give way to the storms and gales of the Scottish winter, which can bring hundreds of glass panels crashing to the greenhouse floor on the windiest days. Nobody is allowed inside when the wind is above 30mph. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
