Storm Austen has hit the UK with strong winds, leading to significant power outages affecting thousands of homes and prompting school closures across Britain. The storm has also caused flight cancellations, particularly in south-west England.

The Independent: Storm Austen causes power outages and school closures in UK

Thousands of homes are without power as Storm Austen brings 80mph winds to the UK, leading to school closures across Britain.

BBC News: Thousands without power and some flights cancelled as Storm Austen lashes…

Storm Austen has caused widespread power outages and flight cancellations in south-west England.

Businesses and charities are appealing to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey to safeguard £7,500 heat pump grants, which are reportedly at risk of cancellation in the upcoming Budget.

The i Paper: £7,500 heat pump grants at risk but battle to save them

Businesses and charities are urging politicians Andy Burnham and John Healey to prevent the cancellation of £7,500 heat pump grants in the upcoming Budget.

Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting has issued a warning about potential 'state-sponsored terrorism' and cyber attacks that could disrupt food supplies, advising the public to prepare emergency kits.

The Independent: UK minister warns of cyber attacks causing food shortages

Wes Streeting warns of 'state-sponsored terrorism' and cyber attacks that could lead to food shortages, advising households to prepare emergency kits.

A 27-year-old woman has been formally charged following an incident in Nottingham where a police officer was shot.

The Independent: Woman charged after police officer shot in Nottingham

A 27-year-old woman has been charged following the shooting of a police officer in Nottingham.

UK detective Linda Williams, who was raped by her colleague David Carrick, has stated that the police's handling of her case was 'like being re-traumatized'. Carrick was previously jailed for sexual offences.

BBC News: UK detective raped by colleague says police's handling of case 'like being…

Linda Williams, a UK detective attacked by her colleague David Carrick who was jailed for sexual offences, describes the police's handling of her case as re-traumatizing.

The Jodrell Bank Observatory, a significant astronomical site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is reportedly at risk of closure.

The Observer: Jodrell Bank Telescope: A Window on the Universe at Risk

The Jodrell Bank Observatory, a significant astronomical site and a Unesco World Heritage Site, faces potential closure.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey, has announced plans to cut 'pointless paperwork' for businesses, aiming to save them an estimated £800 million.

The i Paper: Chancellor vows to scrap 'pointless paperwork' to save businesses £800m

The Chancellor has announced plans to eliminate burdensome paperwork, aiming to save businesses approximately £800 million.

Recent changes to pension schemes could result in tens of thousands of NHS employees facing new tax bills or becoming eligible for refunds.

The i Paper: NHS staff could face tax bills or refund after pension changes

Tens of thousands of NHS employees may be liable for tax bills or eligible for refunds due to recent changes in their pension schemes.

A recent YouGov poll suggests that Reform UK and the Green Party are no longer widely considered to be major political parties in the UK.

The Independent: Reform UK and Greens no longer seen as main parties, poll indicates

A YouGov poll suggests that Reform UK and the Green Party are no longer considered major political parties.

The Prince of Wales, Prince William, made an unexpected guest appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

The Independent: Prince William makes surprise appearance on Graham Norton Show

Prince William made an unexpected appearance on The Graham Norton Show.