The most popular trending stories in United Kingdom this week.
Actor James Franco has bewildered internet users by launching a verified TikTok account featuring erratic videos where he claims to have encountered a non-human entity in his garage.
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig has been announced as the Labour candidate to succeed Andy Burnham in the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral by-election on 30 July.
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics by scoring a historic sixth-minute goal against Uzbekistan, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups as a rejuvenated Portugal dominated the early stages in Houston.
Algeria kept their World Cup survival hopes alive with a thrilling 2-1 victory over tournament debutants Jordan in Santa Clara. Late goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri overturned an early Jordanian lead to secure a vital three points in Group J.
The 2026 Royal Ascot concluded with a spectacular surge in attendance, drawing approximately 295,000 racing fans and style icons over its five-day run. The prestigious event mixed strict traditional pageantry with striking fashion trends, securing its place as the jewel of the British summer social calendar.
Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history, scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas. The 38-year-old talisman overcame an early penalty miss to eclipse Miroslav Klose's long-standing men's tournament record.
Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton for £75m as vice-captain Enzo Fernandez agrees verbal terms with Real Madrid.
The former Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson faces a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of 18 historical sexual offences at Newry Crown Court. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was also found to have aided and abetted his crimes following a separate trial of the facts.
Ukraine has launched its largest-ever drone strike on Moscow, causing major explosions at a critical oil refinery, halting flights, and forcing Russia to pull front-line air defences back to protect the capital.
Meghan Markle has shared a rare family photograph of Prince Harry embracing their children, with Prince Archie sporting an England football kit ahead of a major UK return.
Belgium faced more World Cup frustration in a dramatic 0-0 draw against Iran, featuring a red card for Nathan Ngoy and brilliant goalkeeper displays.
Up to 8.7 million state pensioners in Great Britain have been overtaxed due to an HMRC software calculation error that ministers knew about for a year.
