In the UK, a bill blocking a no-deal Brexit on October 31st is expected to be signed into law by the Queen today. The bill raced through both houses of the British Parliament last week as opposition lawmakers hurried to pass the legislation before Parliament is suspended this week.

The bill forces Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ask the EU for another Brexit postponement if a deal is not agreed. But Johnson has repeatedly asserted that there are no circumstances in which he would be willing to ask for a further extension, even saying he would 'rather be dead in a ditch’ than ask the EU for an extension.

The news comes after another set-back for the new PM as a major minister quit yesterday in protest of Johnson’s Brexit strategy and the firing of 21 conservative lawmakers who supported the no-deal blocking bill.

PUTIN’S UNITED RUSSIA SUFFER LOSSES IN CLOSELY WATCHED LOCAL ELECTIONS.

Bad news for Russian president Vladimir Putin this afternoon as votes are counted for yesterday’s local elections. In Moscow, Putin’s United Russia party secured just 24 seats in the city legislature, losing 16. Putin’s party had been widely expected to lose ground as their popularity continues to fall in the wake of a summer of massive protests in the city.

POLISH AND US AUTHORITIES SEIZE 1.4B ZL OF DRUG MONEY

Radio Poland reports that a joint US-Polish team has recovered 1.4 Billion Zlotys (322 Million Euros) of drug money following joint operations against international drugs gangs. Poland’s justice minister said the funds were mainly linked to the trade of drugs like cocaine as well as money laundering.

BASKETBALL: AT LAST SOME COMPETITION FOR POLAND IN BEIJING

In sport, Poland’s basketball team finally met their match yesterday against top-ranked Argentina.

The Poles had been on a „magic run” dominating Venezuela, Russia, Ivory Coast and even host nation China. But alas, yesterday the team’s incredible winning streak came to an end. The Argentines, ranked by FIBA as one of the top five teams in the world, scored 91 points to Poland’s 65.

Despite the loss, Poland’s four wins mean they continue into the quarter finals, challenging world number twos, Spain, tomorrow.

LAST DAY OF REDUCED RATE APPLICATIONS FOR HARPAGAN!

And today is the last chance to enroll for this year’s Harpagan extreme orienteering rally at the reduced rate. Next month, Harpagan will see both the experienced and beginners navigate through the forests west of Wejherowo. Routes range from 10km walking routes ideal for families, to 200km bike trails for the professionals.

TH/RGNews