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The Edition · Friday, 23 October 2026

Friday, 23 October 2026

Every story from this day

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Sports & Health · Sky Sports

Verstappen Criticises Severe Bumps at United States GP Track

Max Verstappen has sharply criticised the bumpy circuit surface at Austin's Circuit of The Americas ahead of the United States Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver warned that the uneven conditions have escalated out of control and pose genuine physical risks to competitors. He revealed that recent medical examinations showed damage to the lower portion of his spine, which has been exacerbated by the stiff suspensions of modern cars. Verstappen argued that minor resurfacing and grinding efforts have served only as temporary fixes rather than solving deep structural issues. While acknowledging his fondness for the Texas circuit's layout, he insisted that organisers must undertake a comprehensive reconstruction of the track base to eliminate the severe bumps permanently. Red Bull enters the race weekend seeking to maintain momentum following back-to-back victories. Other drivers joined the conversation regarding the physical toll exacted by rough circuits. Lando Norris admitted he takes pain medication for headaches before driving on harsh tracks due to his helmet striking the headrest. Norris added that COTA would fail current construction tolerances if evaluated as a newly designed venue. Meanwhile, George Russell pointed out that extremely low ride heights and low-profile tyres amplify every bump across the season.

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Entertainment · The Hollywood Reporter

Ryan Gosling Band Dead Man's Bones to Release New Music

Rock duo Dead Man's Bones, formed by actor Ryan Gosling and musician Zach Shields, has officially announced its return after a seventeen-year hiatus. The pair confirmed via an Instagram teaser that fresh music will arrive on October 27. This upcoming project marks their first official musical release since their self-titled debut album came out in 2009. Dead Man's Bones initially gained attention for their distinctive, eerie musical style, which frequently centered on supernatural themes such as ghosts and monsters. Their 2009 debut was notable for featuring the Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir across its tracks. The recent announcement teaser maintained that macabre aesthetic, showcasing a shadowy figure reciting verse alongside a young child announcing the launch date. Gosling's partner, Eva Mendes, had previously hinted at the reunion online before confirming that the actor fulfilled his promise to make more music. While the band remained inactive for nearly two decades, Gosling continued to showcase his vocal abilities on the big screen, notably performing musical numbers in La La Land and Barbie. His song from the Barbie soundtrack earned him a Grammy nomination and an acclaimed live performance at the 2024 Academy Awards. The band's revival arrives alongside a packed Hollywood schedule for Gosling, who has several high-profile film projects lined up.

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Football · FourFourTwo

Haaland Favored as FPL Captain for Gameweek 8

Fantasy Premier League managers face a tough captaincy decision for Gameweek 8. Erling Haaland, the league’s top expected‑goal‑involvement player, remains the safest choice despite Aston Villa’s away fixture. His only miss this season was in Gameweek 1, and a recent injury concern has been cleared. For those seeking a differential, Cole Palmer offers a high‑return midfield option, having scored six goals in seven matches and benefiting from Chelsea’s recent home form. Left‑back Riccardo Calafiori is a bold alternative, ranking third in defensive expected‑goal‑involvement and playing for a top‑tier backline. Other options include João Pedro, Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo, all of whom face uncertainty from their teams’ inconsistent performances. Ultimately, Haaland’s consistency and high floor make him the recommended armband, with Palmer as a strong second choice. Managers must decide before the 18:30 deadline.

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World · jpost.com

Benny Gantz Withdraws from Knesset Race

On Monday night in Ramat Gan, former IDF chief Benny Gantz declared he would not run in the upcoming Knesset elections, citing the Blue and White party’s low polling numbers. The party was hovering around 1 % of the vote, well below the 3.25 % threshold needed for a single seat. Gantz, who had once been the most prominent challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he would continue to work toward a unity government and that his primary identity was that of a soldier. Within an hour, rivals such as Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan and Bezalel Smotrich praised the decision, arguing it would prevent vote‑splitting and preserve unity. The move highlights the deep divisions in Israeli politics, with centrist voices struggling to find a place amid polarized factions. Gantz’s withdrawal underscores the challenges faced by parties that cannot secure a clear political message or sufficient voter support. The announcement leaves the political center in Israel without a prominent figure and may further fragment the already fractured electorate.

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