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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reverses inheritance tax raid on family farms, raising threshold to two and a half million pounds, following public outcry and protests. Labour MPs praise the move, while opposition figures criticize the delay. Rural communities and pubs face ongoing tax pressures, indicating more challenges for the government.

Tom McElhone, a classic car restorer in Northern Ireland, shares his workshop with a famous robin named Henry. Henrys presence brought joy and comfort to Tom, especially during his health struggles. After Henrys disappearance, he returned, becoming a symbol of hope and a reminder to cherish nature.

Celebrating a Century of Winnie-the-Pooh: From London Evening News to Global Icon - This Christmas Eve marks the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Poohs debut in the London Evening News. Author AA Milne created Pooh based on his son and their East Sussex adventures, inspiring the Hundred Acre Wood. Poohs fame exploded worldwide, especially after Disney acquired the rights. Today, it boosts the local economy with tourists from North America. The original Pooh Sticks bridge was replaced and its pieces sold for £131,000. Public funding supports anniversary events, including a life-sized pop-up book. New walking trails are planned to highlight the forests magic without harming protected spots.

England cricket captain Ben Stokes faces his toughest challenge yet, leading the team to a 3-0 deficit in the Ashes series against Australia. Reports of heavy drinking by players during a break in Noosa have added to the pressure. Stokes, who has faced his own struggles, pleads for empathy towards his teammates and vows to protect them amid growing scrutiny. He supports opener Ben Duckett, keeping him in the lineup for the fourth Test, and aims to avoid a humiliating five-nil whitewash.

Chris Rea, a beloved Middlesbrough musician, passed away at 74. Stan Laundon, a former BBC Radio Teesside presenter, recalled Reas early days, when he walked into the station with a reel-to-reel tape of his song Love Is the Way. Rea, a quiet young lad working at his familys ice cream parlour, taught himself guitar and joined local bands. Tributes poured in from those who knew him best, highlighting his musical talent and Middlesbrough roots. Reas music, deeply influenced by his hometown, left fans worldwide with memories of his hits.

A Cambridgeshire familys heartwarming reunion with their long-lost cat, Bindi, after five years. The ten-year-old feline, found in excellent health, was reunited with her family just in time for Christmas, likely after being taken in by a kind stranger during her absence.

Vile graffiti targeting the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester sparks community solidarity. Despite the hateful slur and star, the center praises local support, police action, and neighborly kindness. The incident underscores the centers mission to foster Islamic heritage, education, and community cohesion.

Two men, Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein, were convicted for plotting an Isis-inspired gun attack on Manchesters Jewish community. Their plan, involving smuggled weapons, could have been the deadliest terrorist attack in British history. The plot was exposed when Saadaoui engaged with an undercover operative, revealing their scheme. Saadaoui had also been posting radical content and joined a local Jewish groups page. Jewish leaders and police praised the security services work, but warned of potential future attacks due to radicalization. Saadaoui was found with assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and nearly two hundred rounds of ammo. The verdict brings reassurance to Manchesters communities.

Cheshire Leaders Oppose New Town Plan: A Standoff Over Housing and Community Protection Cheshire East councillors, parish councils, and the local MP have formally opposed the governments plan to build a new town with up to twenty thousand homes in Adlington. Residents have also voiced their concerns, with a petition against the development handed to the House of Commons. Key issues include infrastructure gaps and environmental impacts. The government assures close collaboration with local leaders and promises no final decision until spring. As the review of all twelve sites continues, this standoff underscores the challenge of balancing housing needs with community protection.