so many mouths to feed comes at a cost. we've sold a property, we've sold our car, we've sold even my wedding ring just to get money for the place, but we have nothing else to actually sell. tina's husband mark is also now a cat convert. he'll never claw back control from this colony of cats. anjana gadgil, bbc news. time for a look at the weather — here's stav danaos. good afternoon. we are holding onto the unsettled theme through today and over the next couple of days. through the afternoon we are likely to see further showers, some of those heavy. low pressure which has been with us for days sitting to the north—west of the country and you

can see lots of isobars on the charts driving the showers in. some of the heaviest ones we can expect affecting more southern counties of england, towards the south—west and wales and some running of the receipt to north—west england. some of the showers will push northwards and eastwards forming bands, some of them heavy and rumbles of thunder. in between, good spells of sunshine and the wind is still a feature. temperature 12 to 15, 16 degrees which is very mild for the time of year. this evening and overnight, showers rattle through on a fairly brisk south—westerly as the night wears on the winds will ease down somewhat and the shower activity eases through central and eastern areas. still going across the south on the west and some of them could be quite heavy. temperatures four to 11 degrees. nowhere particularly cold because of the strength of the breeze. on wednesday, probably fewer showers around for much of the country with the low pressure system sitting to the west of scotland. it

is the highlands and islands which will see the strongest of the winds and the heaviest of the showers. further south, showers will be fewer and more sunshine in between. the air coming infrom and more sunshine in between. the air coming in from the west, so 11 to 15 degrees. it might feel a degree or so cooler. that will changed was the end of the week. high pressure builds across the near continent and squeezes up against this low pressure to the north of the country. will be drawing the air from the subtropics right to our shows. exceptionally mild throughout thursday and friday. it will be very windy with a chance of thicker cloud and outbreaks of rain, vertically cross western hills and low cloud and drizzle. gales and even severe gales developing in the north—west of the country as we head into thursday evening. the best of any brightness will be across the south—east, it will be quite limited. 16, 17, maybe 18 degrees in one or two spots and that will be an exceptionally mild night on thursday. no lower than 15, 16

degrees in a few places. almost record—breaking for this time of year. it stays mild for friday, signs are becoming more unsettled across the west as we move through sunday with it turning wet and windier and it will turn unsettled again into next week. a reminder of our top story. a warning that schools in england might have to cut the number of their teachers and teaching hours to save money. good afternoon. it's 1.30pm and here's your latest sports news. less than two weeks until football's most controversial world cup gets under way in qatar and, today, that controversy has been fuelled once again.

this time, by comments from tournament ambassador khalid salman who said, and i quote, that homosexuality is a result of "damage in the mind" and that fans visiting the gulf state must accept the country's rules. organizers have repeatedly said everyone was welcome in the country for the world cup, but in the interview with german broadcaster zdf, salman said that while gay visitors would be respected but, "they have to accept our rules." the interview was cut short by an accompanying official. homosexuality is illegal in qatar. concern has been raised about the safety of fans traveling for the event, especially lgbtq+ individuals and women. well, to make matters more uncomfortable for organisers, the man who was president of world football's governing body when qatar was awarded the tournament in 2010

has said it was a mistake. sepp blatter told swiss newspaper tages anzeiger the country is too small and football and the world cup are too big for it. the decision to award the 2018 and 2022 world cups to russia and qatar has been dogged by accusations of widespread corruption, with two investigations launched by swiss prosecutors russia and qatar were both effectively cleared by fifa's own investigation in 2017. ben stokes has backed england to "come good" in their t20 semifinal with india on thursday as they look to reach sunday's final in australia. india, arguably the most impressive side so far, topped their group with four wins from five, while england were second in theirs after struggling to find consistency. the adelaide oval is expected to be sold out for a clash of the titans

between the two top—ranked teams in the world on thursday. they are obviously one of the best teams in the world and we know we are going to come up against a strong team. we are a team that don't tend to focus too much on the opposition, we like to think about the process in which we want to go out there and play our cricket, and we know that if we execute anywhere near where we want to be, then we are a very hard team to beat. it's probably one thing that we have highlighted through this, we know we have not quite made our best performance, but this is where it counts. the billiejean king cup gets begins in glasgow today. great britain will have to face kazakhstan this afternoon without emma raducanu, who is injured. britain haven't made it out of the group stage since 1981. their team is made up of doubles specialists alicia barnett and olivia nicholls along with singles players harriet dart, heather watson and katie boulter, who's hoping the home advantage can give them an edge.

one of the most fun things to do in tennis is to have a crowd behind you and they normally lift you even more so, so it will be an equaliser, i think it will make it tougher for a lot of the people we are playing and i'm looking forward to it. the women's rugby world cup final will clearly be a special occassion for all england and new zealand players who take to the field in auckland on saturday, but it will be particularly significant for claudia macdonald. in april, she was told that her rugby career could be over because of a neck injury she sustained last year. she has defied the odds by not only returning to the squad, but helping the red roses maintain their record run of 30 test wins in a row. having the initial call to that

rugby might be on the table again, 757: 7th7en invited 7then invited into 77 7then invited into world 77 7then invited into world cupf to then invited into world cup training. my expectations would never have been to be sat here right now. every step was, ok, maybe i can do this, maybe i can do the preseason, give myself the best chance of being selected. even when i was selected, i wasn't sure how much i would play. and here we are, going into a world cup final. we're really excited to see how we get on. we're really excited to see how we get on. that's all the sport for now. as we've been reporting, polls have already started opening across the us, meaning the midterm elections are well and truly under way. they've been described as some of the most important elections in years. christian fraser, who's in the bbc�*s election results studio in washington dc, takes us through the issues on voters�* minds. if you'd tuned in to any televised debate through this midterm campaign, you'd be forgiven for thinking the two parties were fighting entirely

different elections. they're so split on what they consider the main issues. but then, so are the electorate. a recent poll suggested 90% of voters would prefer republican control of congress for the issue of immigration and the border. 60% want republicans to handle jobs in the economy. but in the same survey, 86% of voters said they prefer democrats to address climate change, and 71% side with democrats on abortion. in other words, the divide this year is unusually stark. so let's have a look at the main issues in play. in recent weeks, republicans say they've regained momentum as inflation becomes the priority issue. now, the economy grew by 2.6% in the last quarter, but voters aren't feeling it — their weekly shop is getting more expensive. despite the fed raising interest rates five times this year, headline inflation is currently at 8.2% in september —

down from a high of 9.1% injune. and in every race up and down the country, that is a message the republicans are hammering home. savings are down and costs are up. the biden—pelosi economy is on the ballot. but from inflation to abortion rights — which democrats say is an issue that continues to impact the key battleground areas in their favour. following the supreme court's decision injune to overturn roe v wade, the democratic party has ploughed unprecedented resources into making this year's election a referendum on abortion access. congressman chabot sponsored the bill that would outlaw birth control and ban all abortions — with no exceptions for rape, incest or life of a woman. but in the minds of the voter, does abortion supersede the fear of crime? in a recent gallup poll, a record 56% of people say local crime has increased where they live — that, said gallup,

marks a 5% uptick since last year. republicans say the crime crisis is peeling off suburban voters and independents. democrats say it's largely overblown. but in new york — what an unlikely situation. a republican candidate for governor is competitive against the incumbent democrat. no republican has won a state—wide race in the empire state since 2002. but after a random shooting outside his home, the republican candidate lee zeldin — he seized the opportunity. these are national issues which define local races, but the outcome by no means determined. we will know which strategy has worked best come wednesday morning. with less than seven weeks until christmas, we're asking is it ever too early to put your decorations up? this year, many people will be considering the cost of living crisis and how that might impact their usual displays.

latest figures suggest people are preparing to spend less than usual this christmas. ben boulos has been at a garden centre near warrington where the decorations have been up and on sale since mid october. well, hello. we are getting in the festive spirit, even though it is early november, but how could we not in this winter wonderland just near warrington? this garden centre, the staff say here that they have been very busy, they have people already coming through the doors buying christmas decorations and the like.

you make something individual and unique to yourself. you can make something for your family members and friends and you can keep it year in, year out, so it saves you money. thank you. as you some of these miniature models, the level of detail is quite extraordinary. someone else i want to introduce you to, we have tracy over here who recently opened a year—round christmas shop in congleton. about christmas and summer and the autumn? yes, i think they do. opening the shop as shown that it has. they can get things for christmas throughout the year, spread the cost. then at christmas they can sit back and enjoy it, spend more money

on the food and drink. tracy, thank you. one more person that you absolutely must meet, over here we have angela. angela has worked at this garden centre for 27 years. wow! what keeps you doing it year after year? it is the amazing team we work with, all the amazing products. it's fantastic. this is your last year doing this, how do you feel? i will miss it like crazy. i wish i could do it all over again. it is an amazing place. angela, thank you very much. i know it is only november, but take in some of that christmas, festive beauty.

now it's time to take a look at some of the stories making the headlines in our newsrooms across the uk. an anti—slavery charity's been embedded within an east midlands police team to tackle human trafficking. justice and care helps to rescue and support victims, from the sex trade to county lines gangs. they're also training police officers and helping detectives gather evidence. jeremy ball reports. making money from human misery. from car washes to factories — people duped or threatened into becoming victims of a crime that's happening in plain sight. tackling modern slavery�*s become a growing priority for the police. but it isn't easy to prosecute, because victims are often terrified of reprisals. so now a charity isjoining officers on these rates here in the east midlands.

they are working with the victim navigator who builds trust with victims and advises the officers she works with. it is quite scary when the police come bashing through the door in their gear and giving the police side of things. if you are a victim, you are already completely traumatised. to have a navigator along to act as that bridge and that support right from that very first point to build that trust. domestic servitude is another crime they have uncovered here in the east midlands. that made headlines when sir mo farah gave an account of when he became a victim, too. they are also rescuing people forced to work for drugs gangs, children used as runners or addicts whose homes are taken over. also women who have been forced to work in the sex trade. girls told they have come for cleaning work or something like that in the hotel industry. when they get here, they are made

to work in brothels, kept awake during the day by being given drugs, and what shocks me most is the fact that people do this to other people. it's the humanity. justice and care is already supporting 1a victims in the east midlands. the charity is now looking at a second victim navigator here. equipment used by athletes during the summer because my commonwealth games are being distributed among community groups —— community groups across the west midlands. the equipment is being given as part of the organiser�*s promised to make the region more active. we visited a basketball club in coventry. the permanent games of summer 2022 may seem like a distant memory, but its legacy lives on because today 16,000 pieces of sports equipment

have been redistributed to the midlands and they include the players here in coventry. tell us first of all what is guardian dollars? it first of all what is guardian dollars? , . ., ., dollars? it is a mental and emotional— dollars? it is a mental and emotional well-being - dollars? it is a mental and - emotional well-being programme dollars? it is a mental and _ emotional well-being programme where emotional well—being programme where we harness the power of basketball to promote well—being. h0??? we harness the power of basketball to promote well-being.— we harness the power of basketball to promote well-being. how did you feel to be chosen _ to promote well-being. how did you feel to be chosen by _ to promote well-being. how did you feel to be chosen by birmingham - to promote well-being. how did you l feel to be chosen by birmingham 2022 to be a recipient of the equipment? we feel humbled, honoured to be a part of this occasion, and also humbled by the fact there are many organisations across the west midlands doing amazing things. that we have been chosen is a real honour for us, and significant to have such special and valuable equipment. you are and new — special and valuable equipment. you are and new and young programme, you focus on basketball but also mental health and well—being. tell us more about the background to that. we health and well-being. tell us more about the background to that. we are t in: to about the background to that. we are trying to help — about the background to that. we are trying to help young _ about the background to that. we are trying to help young people _ about the background to that. we are trying to help young people to - about the background to that. we are trying to help young people to get - trying to help young people to get you place a better mental and

emotional well—being and feel happier and healthier, emotional well—being and feel happierand healthier, building happier and healthier, building their happierand healthier, building their resilience and what they are doing. our mission is threefold, to learn and engage with the game of basketball, to help them with their well—being and understand their identity, but also to make the world better by transforming their perspectives. better by transforming their perspectives-_ better by transforming their perspectives. better by transforming their --ersectives. ., ., , ., perspectives. the heritage of your children represent _ perspectives. the heritage of your children represent the _ perspectives. the heritage of your children represent the rich - children represent the rich diversity in the city and across the commonwealth. we diversity in the city and across the commonwealth.— diversity in the city and across the commonwealth. ~ ., . ., commonwealth. we have children from all different nations. _ commonwealth. we have children from all different nations. we _ commonwealth. we have children from all different nations. we reached - all different nations. we reached many cultures. to have the commonwealth games coming and the legacy —— legacy to be part of what we do, it means they recognise the dna of this club.— we do, it means they recognise the dna of this club. thank you. summer has lona dna of this club. thank you. summer has long gone. _ dna of this club. thank you. summer has long gone. but — dna of this club. thank you. summer has long gone, but birmingham - dna of this club. thank you. summer has long gone, but birmingham che l has long gone, but birmingham che thousand and 22 lives on. millions of unpaid carers

provide vital support to loved ones each year, but many people looking after relatives face significant health issues of their own. the charity carers uk says a third of carers have been waiting more than a year for nhs treatment or assessment, leaving many struggling to help others. tim muffett reports. we'll go and see if they've got any eggs. at the heart of this family, there is a rock. you literally do everything. you are cook, cleaner, a nurse, taxi driver. without her, we'd be on the streets. we wouldn't be a family. we'd just fall apart. because my mum does everything. you're like the glue. thank you. they've got some eggs for us, bless them. suzanne doesn'tjust care for her 15—year—old daughter, lottie, but also for her son and husband. i would say i am never off duty. so i have lottie who's had cancer, and she's got severe, complex medical needs.

and then i have my son who has got severe behavioural problems, plus my husband who's got mental health problems. do you know what your readings were earlier? i think they were 16. caring full time for her family means that suzanne can't get a job. money is very tight. how would you describe the situation you're facing this winter? it's catastrophic. lottie's got a life—limiting illness. she knows that. and i want to enjoy as many years together as we can. and having to turn lights off because you can't afford to put them on, it's crippling. we don't know what's going to happen. we don't know whether we can pay the food bill, the petrol bill, the heating, anything like that. we don't know where the next month's money's going to come from. you know, my mum worries, and then i worry. in the uk, it's estimated that more

than ten million people provide some form of unpaid care, and the charity carers uk says that many are facing a so—called perfect storm this winter. rising living costs, lengthening nhs waiting lists, plus a lack of professional care workers who could potentially provide support. life is getting a lot worse for unpaid carers. so financially they're really struggling. they've just come out of covid. we've gone lurching into this cost of living crisis, but more worryingly is their own health and wellbeing. so over a third of carers are themselves waiting for treatment on the nhs whilst caring for somebody who is ill or disabled. and that is putting extra pressure on them so that they're really struggling to do their own caring. what did you do? romeo and juliet, and maths. i've got osteo arthritis and i've been waiting for an operation on my feet. lottie's been waiting for three years to have surgery

because of the effects of chemotherapy, which means she's in pain and has to have morphine. a carer�*s allowance is available. does it come anywhere near to providing the financial support you need ? as a carer each week, i think currently i get paid £67, so it doesn't go anywhere, literally. it doesn't even pay for a tank of fuel. i'd love to work. if anybody�*s got a job that they want to give to me, i'd love to do it. but it's how do you do it when you're constantly going to hospitals? you don't know what's going to happen day to day. the government says it's making almost £300 million available to unpaid carers to provide short breaks and respite services as well as additional advice and support. it says progress is also being made in tackling covid—related hospital delays, with almost all two year waits for treatment eliminated. but for suzanne and her family, there are difficult months ahead. it's the perfect storm,

you know, literally, with all of the costs going up and no end in sight of that, what do we do? go to food banks? tim muffett, bbc news. there's no words really, to describe what it's like to see your... ..to see your son

connected to life support and being told he has a 50—50 chance. you look for answers. you want to swap roles. you want to say, "well, just put me there." this is the momentjames reached the summit of mount kilimanjaro, while carrying his son's weight on his chest. now i've got the vest on. i promised you, georgie, i'd do it. at three years old, george was diagnosed with meningitis. had a temperature. luckily, my wife acted quickly, and he was taken into hospital, where he contracted bacterial meningitis, blood infection around the brain and into the spinalfluid. he was in intensive care for several days, and we got him home. we thought he was ok. then he had a seizure, which robbed him of his hearing. i felt completely helpless. dads fix things — that's what we do. and i couldn't fix george, so i had to put my energy into something. he decided to climb mount kilimanjaro, to raise money for meningitis research. a little bit closer every time. it was the hardest, hardest

thing i have ever done. minus 13, your hands are shaking. you are walking six inch steps for seven to eight hours, hallucinating the next. but the feeling of satisfaction when you get to the top is just mind blowing. georgie, daddy show you some pictures? so, you hear lobster. where's the lobster? i think people know the disease. they don't have a clue about the symptoms, because i didn't. i didn't know about lethargy, about vomiting. a fear of bright lights, where bright lights hurt the eyes. i didn't know that the temperature doesn't go down, even if you switch between paracetamol and ibuprofen. and these symptoms are the ones often before the rash. there was a doctor. she'd put george on the anti—meningitis medication before he'd been diagnosed, which we now know saved his life. it tookjames and his group

four days to reach the summit. very emotional. there was a lot of tears, notjust from me, but from everybody else on the trek. we're at 19,500 feet. ifelt like i had made peace a little bit with what had happened to george, made peace with the meningitis. and i came back down with a smile on my face. that's good. daddy did it. love you lots. charolais will be with you here from two o'clock. i will be back at five o'clock. i will be back at five o'clock. now it's time for a look at the weather.

it isa it is a blustery afternoon with sunshine and showers. the shower is mostly affecting southern and western areas. it will not be quite as windy through the afternoon as it has been of late. overnight, the area of low pressure starts to pull its way northwards. the isobars open out slightly so the winds will turn lighter. still fairly breezy and it will still drive in some showers. in the south—west, some heavy and thundery showers. at some drier between. lose between four and 10 degrees. wednesday, showers in the south, some of them quite heavy. through the afternoon, winds turn lighter and the showers become fewer with increasing amounts of sunshine. still quite windy and wet for the north and west of scotland. the temperatures are set to climb into thursday and friday. it turns exceptionally mad for the time of year. quite wet, windy in the north and west, driest in the south and east.

good afternoon. welcome to bbc news. i am sure a warning that schools in england face cutting the number of their teachers to try to save money due to pressure on the budgets. we are due to pressure on the budgets. - are doing ourvery due to pressure on the budgets. - are doing our very best, but i don't think it is sustainable to keep at this level of tightening because there is only so much you can strip back before the impact on the children is massive. 50 back before the impact on the children is massive.— children is massive. so gavin williamson _ children is massive. so gavin williamson denies _ children is massive. so gavin williamson denies fresh - children is massive. so gavin l williamson denies fresh claims children is massive. so gavin - williamson denies fresh claims of bullying. he is said to have told a civil servant tojump bullying. he is said to have told a civil servant to jump out of a window. millions of americans had to the pulls today for crucial mid—term elections and state control of both houses of congress. the furore over comments from a qatari world cup in paris —— world