A year of change – Devon politics in 2025

Miles DavisDevon political reporterNorth Devon CouncilA lot of the political debate in Devon has been around how the county will be carved up in local government reorganisationIt has been a year of political upheavals in Devon - some more successful than others.The county elections in May saw Reform and the Green Party take seats while Labour and the Conservatives lost out.The Liberal Democrats came through the middle to retake control of Devon County Council and the Conservatives hung…

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Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,406 | Russia-Ukraine war News

These are the key developments from day 1,406 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.Published On 31 Dec 202531 Dec 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareHere is where things stand on Wednesday, December 31:Fighting Russian forces shelled the town of Kostiantynivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, killing one person, an official said. The deadly attack came a day after an attack in Druzhkivka killed another person and wounded four, according to the Ukrinform news agency. Russian forces also launched waves…

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Is the US economy strong heading into 2026? The picture is complicated | Business and Economy News

As the United States economy heads into 2026, the report card emerging on its performance is complicated.By many measures, the world’s largest economy appears to be in a strong position.After a tumultuous year marked by President Donald Trump’s return to the White House and his swing towards tariffs and protectionism, recent growth has outpaced the expectations of most analysts.In a speech this month, Trump hailed his economic record, insisting that the US was on the cusp of an economic boom the…

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Man, 36, arrested over attempted murder

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing left another man seriously injured.Officers said they were called to Cowick Street in Exeter at about 16:30 GMT following reports of a violent assault. A man in his 30s was found with suspected knife wounds and taken to hospital, said the Devon and Cornwall force. His injuries have been described as life-changing.A 36-year-old man from Exeter was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.Cordons…

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Police lock down Exeter streets after serious assault

Police have sealed off parts of Exeter after a person was found with a serious injury in Cowick Street.Officers were sent to the area at around 16:30 GMT following reports of an assault, said Devon and Cornwall Police. Cordons are in place around Cowick Street, Prospect Place and Cowick Park and Police say units will stay in the area throughout the evening and overnight.A spokesperson said: "If anyone sees anyone acting suspiciously, we are advising members of the…

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Syrian authorities impose curfew in Latakia as violence surges | Syria’s War News

Cars and shops were vandalised during attacks on Alawite neighbourhoods in the western city in recent days.Published On 30 Dec 202530 Dec 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareSyrian authorities imposed an overnight curfew in the coastal city of Latakia following deadly attacks on predominantly Alawite neighbourhoods as security tensions rise in the country’s western coastal region.Authorities in Latakia arrested 21 people allegedly linked to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad’s rule, state media reported on Tuesday.Recommended Stories list of…

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Councils activate cold weather measures to help rough sleepers

Emergency provision to protect rough sleepers has been enacted by two local authorities, with temperatures expected to fall below zero celsius before the end of the week.North Somerset Council and Bristol City Council's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) measures will ensure that people will have access to shelter at night.North Somerset Council said it was working with the YMCA Rough Sleeper Outreach team, who would identify those in need and offer accommodation and support.The measures in Bristol will…

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Closing down signs in Plymouth’s House of Fraser store

BBCA sign in the shop window says the store will close in the spring.Closing down signs have appeared in the windows of a longstanding House of Fraser department store.A sign attached to the glass at the Plymouth store, said it would be closing in March 2026.The store, which was previously known as Dingles, had faced closure in 2018 before a rescue deal secured its future.Frasers, the owner of House of Fraser, has been approached by the BBC for…

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‘Shocking’ dashcam footage shows dangerous driver

Sarwar Mustafa was filmed swerving around oncoming traffic and reaching speeds of up to 100mphDashcam footage showing police following a dangerous driver for 18.5 miles (30km) through Dorset has been released.Sarwar Mustafa was filmed driving from Bere Regis to Ferndown in Dorset on 22 June, swerving around oncoming traffic and reaching speeds of up to 100mph (161km/h).Dorset Police officers began following the BMW with suspected cloned plates and no insurance after spotting it at about 09:45 BST on…

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Judge blocks Trump effort to strip South Sudan deportation protections | Donald Trump News

Trump is seeking to end protected status for South Sudan, claiming country no longer poses danger to those returning.Published On 30 Dec 202530 Dec 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareA federal judge has blocked the administration of President Donald Trump from stripping temporary protections from deportations for South Sudanese citizens living in the United States.US District Judge Angel Kelley in Boston, Massachusetts, granted an emergency request on Tuesday in a lawsuit filed by several South Sudanese nationals…

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Disappointment over Bournemouth Women’s FA Cup clash location

Cherries fans hoped the FA Cup clash would be played at the Vitality StadiumWomen's football fans have expressed disappointment after it was revealed a major home game would not be played at their club's stadium.AFC Bournemouth Women are set to face Manchester City in the FA Cup on 18 January but, unlike some high-profile matches, it will not be hosted at the Vitality.The club said to protect the pitch, the clash would instead take place at Snows Stadium,…

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Devon gorse fires on same moor started deliberately

Two gorse fires in the same area of moorland were thought to have been started deliberately, a fire service has said.Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the fires broke out on Monday at about 15:20 GMT in the West Anstey Common area, in Devon.South Molton Fire Station said on social media there were two separate blazes which involved gorse on the moor affecting a total area of about 600m (1,968ft).The service said the fires were extinguished…

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