Introduction The past 24 hours have seen a wide range of significant events, from political developments in Wales and the DR Congo, to major incidents in the world of sports and entertainment. In this briefing, we will cover the key stories from around the globe. ## Politics The Welsh government and Labour have struck a budget deal, which includes £60m for additional learning needs. This comes after the Plaid Cymru-led administration failed to pass its spending plans during the summer. Meanwhile, in the UK, Prime Minister Andy Burham is preparing to deliver his first Budget, with the IMF upgrading the country's growth forecast but warning of challenges ahead. Dr Allison Gardner MP has spoken out about her experiences with chronic UTIs, saying they made her feel like a drug user. The prime minister is also set to debate Brexit again, with the BBC's political editor Chris Mason saying this is the first time since the UK left the EU that a prime minister will do so. ## Sports In sports news, former St Helens boss Paul Rowley has been named as the new head coach of Castleford Tigers, signing a three-year contract. British number one Katie Boulter was beaten by Diana Shnaider in the Wuhan Open first round. Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr won an AFC Champions League match, which was delayed by an hour due to a missile alert in Riyadh. ## Business Poundland is in rescue talks as its owners seek a buyer, with a union warning that the retailer could fall into administration instead. Phase Eight and Hobbs owner TFG London has apologized to customers after a cybersecurity incident disrupted its operations. The IMF has upgraded the UK's growth forecast, but warned that energy prices and interest rates will bite in 2027. ## Entertainment Award-winning singer Raye has hit back at ticket touts who overwhelmed sign-ups for her Royal Albert Hall show, with 1.8 million people trying to get tickets for the 5,000-seat venue. The BBC has shelved plans for a new Archers studio as part of its cost-cutting measures. US actress Selma Blair has been accused of assault after an incident with flight attendants, and is being investigated by the FBI. ## World News A ship has sunk in a new drone attack off Bulgaria, with the country's prime minister suspecting Russia was behind the incident. Former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila has been named as the leader of a new rebel coalition. In the US, emergency call records have revealed confusion after the failed execution of Christa Pike, who was taken to hospital after two doses of lethal injection did not kill her. ## Health and Science A group of clinicians has warned that technology use in English schools is driving a rise in health problems like short-sightedness, and is calling for a reduction in screen time in classrooms. Medics in Spain have spoken about their efforts to save the life of Sandra McCartney, who was dead for 10 minutes after her heart stopped beating. A red squirrel project has opened a £250,000 community grant, with groups from around northern England and southern Scotland able to bid for funding to help the creatures. Cornwall Council has introduced new penalties for fly-tippers, with fines of up to £5,000.