Iniaes

In U.S. justice and politics

The Justice Department is moving to formally permit firing squads, electrocution, and gas asphyxiation as federal execution methods, part of a broader effort to restart executions after years of legal and logistical delays. It is a major shift in how the federal government plans to carry out death sentences, because apparently one grim option was not enough.

The department also says it is ending its criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over renovation work at the central bank, closing out a probe that had become another Trump-era pressure point around the Fed.

In Texas

Texas officials say Camp Mystic must revise its emergency safety plan after finding it does not yet meet updated youth camp rules. The camp, where 27 people died in last summer’s flash flood, now faces uncertainty over whether it can open for the summer while legal challenges and investigations continue.

In the Middle East

Iran says it does not plan a direct meeting with the United States in upcoming talks in Pakistan, despite earlier White House suggestions to the contrary. The discussions are still expected to continue indirectly, with the Strait of Hormuz and the broader effort to end the war still central to the talks.

In security and defense

A Special Forces soldier involved in planning the capture of Nicolás Maduro has been indicted for allegedly using classified information from the operation to place prediction market bets. It is a clean example of how operational secrets are not supposed to become a side hustle.

In Washington

President Trump appeared to nod off during a live Oval Office event, which is not ideal for a man who spent years selling himself as the opposite of “Sleepy Joe.” A Reuters/Ipsos poll also found that belief in election fraud claims remains stubbornly high, with Republicans far more likely than Democrats to say large numbers of non-citizen ballots are cast.

On Capitol Hill, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Rep. Tom Kean Jr. expects to be back to 100 percent soon after an unspecified health issue. Separately, the Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on a Chinese refinery and dozens of shipping firms and vessels tied to Iran’s oil network, aiming to squeeze a key revenue source ahead of talks with Tehran.

In the courts

Federal appeals courts handed down a mixed batch of rulings this week, including a stay on the Trump administration’s effort to move some transgender women prisoners to men’s facilities and a decision upholding an injunction against summary deportations that bypass asylum procedures required by Congress. The Fifth Circuit also upheld Texas’ Ten Commandments classroom law, while the Ninth Circuit blocked California’s rule requiring undercover officers to display ID.

The Justice Department’s indictment targeting the Southern Poverty Law Center has drawn condemnation from civil rights groups, which are warning of a legal fight ahead. That one should be lively, because apparently no one can just have a quiet week in federal court anymore.

In Texas

A Fort Worth ISD assistant principal, Lindsay Velasquez, died after being shot in the head at the Benbrook home she shared with her husband, who police say has been charged with manslaughter. Authorities said the shooting was reported as accidental, and the district stressed the incident involved two employees off campus and posed no threat to students or staff.

In Britain

Emergency crews are still dealing with a major fire at an industrial unit in Trafford Park near Manchester’s Trafford Centre. Thick smoke was visible for miles, residents were told to keep windows and doors shut, and road closures remain in place while firefighters and hazardous response teams work the scene.

In entertainment

In U.S. politics

India has rejected President Trump’s post calling the country a “hellhole,” saying the remark was “obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste.” Trump had shared a radio transcript that also attacked the U.S. Constitution, because apparently no document is safe from the content pipeline.

Separately, the Justice Department has ended its criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which could clear a path for Trump’s nominee, Kevin Warsh. Democrats say the investigation should not have been used as leverage over the Fed nomination process. The Pentagon, meanwhile, has removed Jacqueline Smith, the ombudsman for Stars and Stripes, the role meant to protect the military newspaper’s editorial independence.

And in a separate federal case, an Ohio man has pleaded guilty to threatening to kill Trump, ICE agents, Trump voters, and federal officials. Prosecutors say digital evidence linked the posts to his home, and agents later found firearms and ammunition.

In the Middle East

Israel carried out airstrikes in Lebanon during the ceasefire period, after Trump said the truce had been extended by three weeks. The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah military structures, accusing Hezbollah of violating the agreement. Ursula von der Leyen also said any deal with Iran should include Lebanon and respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In business and consumer news

HMRC is launching a campaign to contact every 21-year-old with an unclaimed Child Trust Fund, after finding about £1.5 billion sitting in around 750,000 untouched accounts. The average pot is about £2,200. Officials are warning people to use the free government tracing service and avoid paid middlemen, which is a pretty efficient way to lose money while looking for money.

In the UK energy market, some Octopus Energy customers on Intelligent Octopus Go and Octopus Go say they were given only about two weeks’ notice before rates rise on May 1, along with higher standing charges. Octopus says the increase reflects market volatility and the tariffs still offer savings, while Martin Lewis says customers may need to switch if they want a better deal.

In science and technology

China has overtaken the United States in scientific publications, research spending, and patents over the past few years. The shift points to a broader change in scientific and technological influence, not just a change in rankings. That is the kind of lead you do not hand back by accident.

In the U.S.

The Justice Department has indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center on federal fraud charges, alleging it misled donors about how money would be used. The case is unusual: the group does not take government grants, nonprofit fraud prosecutions are rare, and the SPLC says it will fight the charges.

Separately, U.S. authorities say a special forces soldier was arrested over allegedly betting on the outcome and timing of a covert operation before it happened, with prosecutors saying he made about $400,000. The case is also fueling the usual debate over prediction markets, which are apparently one more place where bad judgment can look like a business model.

In business

Charter says it lost 51,000 pay TV subscribers in the first quarter as it keeps trying new pricing and package changes to stop customers from drifting to streaming rivals. The numbers are not exactly a ringing endorsement of cable’s comeback plan.

In Britain, families are facing higher boiler costs under Labour’s Clean Heat Market Mechanism, after fresh analysis said heat pump installations have fallen since the scheme began and the surcharge on boiler sales has risen from about £27 to £36 per unit.

On the Falklands

Downing Street says sovereignty over the Falkland Islands remains with the UK, after a reported internal Pentagon document suggested a possible shift in U.S. policy. The reported idea was tied to retaliation over Britain not joining a war with Iran.

In Russia

The Kremlin’s tightening grip on the internet is prompting rare public dissent, as restrictions on messaging apps and periodic shutdowns frustrate users across Russia. Some people have even risked punishment to petition for the limits to be rolled back, while Putin’s approval rating is said to be slipping at its fastest pace in years amid war and economic pressure.

U.S. Soldier Faces Federal Scrutiny Over Alleged Leak Tied to Maduro Raid Bets

An elite U.S. soldier is under federal scrutiny after a high-stakes operation in South America. Authorities allege he turned secret mission details into a major personal profit, setting up an unusual legal fight over digital prediction markets.

Russian Strike on Odesa Kills 2 and Injures Dozens, Hitting Hospitals and Schools Overnight

Ukraine says Russian forces struck the Black Sea port city of Odesa overnight on April 23 to 24, 2026, killing at least two people and injuring more than a dozen. The attack also hit hospitals and schools.

Slovenia Will Replace Eurovision Broadcast with Films About Palestine

Slovenia will not broadcast this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, joining Ireland and Spain in boycotting the live event over Israel’s participation. Instead, Slovenian broadcasters say they will air films about Palestine.

Russian Attack on Odesa Kills Ukrainian Couple, Both 75

Ukrainian officials say a married couple aged 75 was killed in an overnight Russian attack on Odesa. Residential buildings were also hit, along with a bulk carrier.

Assisted Dying Bill Faces Time Running Out in the Lords

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which was backed by MPs, has still not cleared its stages in the House of Lords. Peers are holding a final debate as time runs short for the measure to progress.

Lufthansa Cancels 20,000 Flights as Jet Fuel Shortages Hit Europe

Europe’s jet fuel supply is under strain because of the war in Iran, and major airlines are cutting flights to cope. Lufthansa has canceled 20,000 short-haul flights and says the reductions will run through October, one of the biggest schedule cuts in recent airline history.

Surrey man admits £30,000 benefits fraud while owning property in France

A Surrey man has admitted five counts of benefits fraud after falsely claiming about £30,000 in housing benefit and council tax reductions while hiding major assets and income. Investigators say he claimed to have no job or property, but later found a home in Burgundy, France, undisclosed bank accounts, a previously owned flat in Dubai, and large deposits and spending on luxury goods, private jets, and school fees. He is due to be sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on May 29.

Court Hears Brighton Beach Rape Convict Had Murder Conviction in Egypt

An Egyptian asylum seeker convicted over the rape of a woman on Brighton beach was also said in court to have a murder conviction in Egypt. Prosecutors said he told the court he came to the UK by small boat to avoid a lengthy prison sentence, though his defence disputed that claim during pre-trial hearings. The three men were found guilty at Hove Crown Court, and all now face sentencing and deportation.

Turkey’s Yagiz Erdogmus, 14, becomes the youngest chess player to reach 2700 rating

Turkish teenager Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus has become the youngest player ever to reach a 2700 chess rating, beating the record set by China’s Wei Yi at 15. He defeated former world No. 1 Veselin Topalov 5-1, and the achievement will become official when FIDE publishes its May rating list later this month. Erdogmus is already the highest-rated 12-, 13-, and 14-year-old ever, and the youngest player to reach the world top 50.

On This Day, April 24: Benedict XVI Is Installed as Pope

On April 24, 2005, Benedict XVI was installed in Rome as the 265th Roman Catholic pope.

GB News launches in India through NeoTV+ streaming deal

GB News has gone live in India through a new distribution deal with NeoTV+, with technology support from iKO Media Group. The channel is now available across India and wider Asia on the NeoTV+ app, with the rollout also opening access in Pakistan and Bangladesh as part of GB News’ broader international expansion.

Kofi Offeh deported to Ghana after woodland camp eviction

The Home Office says Kofi Offeh, also known as King Atehene, has been deported to Ghana after his camp in woodland near Jedburgh was evicted in October. He led a three-person group claiming to reclaim ancestral land in the Scottish Borders, and was later arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

Coupang data breach turns into a diplomatic headache

South Korea’s biggest online retailer says a former employee stole a security key and enabled unauthorized access to data from 33.7 million users. The breach has since spilled into a diplomatic dispute, with Washington accused of mixing national security concerns with domestic corporate matters. Efficient chaos, basically.

U.S. soldier indicted over Polymarket bet tied to Maduro intelligence

A U.S. Army soldier has been indicted for allegedly using classified information about Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s possible capture to place a bet on Polymarket. A bad idea, a worse wager, and apparently a federal case.

Mandelson inquiry delayed by U.S. document dispute

The Metropolitan Police say their investigation into Lord Mandelson has been slowed after the U.S. Department of Justice refused to release censored documents without a formal Mutual Legal Assistance request. Police say that process could take at least 18 months. Mandelson denies wrongdoing and has not been charged.

Europe’s electricity prices fall as renewables bite

New data says Europe’s electricity prices were about 25% lower because of solar and wind. The price effect appears to grow as more renewables come online, which is inconvenient for the usual hand-wringing about the grid.

Oil rises above $106 as Strait of Hormuz tensions flare

Oil climbed above $106 a barrel as tensions rose around the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump said vessels would need permission from the U.S. Navy to transit the waterway, while the U.S. and Iran remained deadlocked.

Possible Ramesses II statue fragment found in Egypt

Archaeologists in Egypt found a fragment of an ancient statue at Tel Faraoun in the Nile Delta that they believe may depict Ramesses II. The piece likely came from the royal city of Pi-Ramesses and was later reused in a temple complex. As ever, the evidence says “maybe,” while the legend tries to do the rest.

Man accused of throwing vinegar at Ilhan Omar reaches plea deal

The man accused of spraying Rep. Ilhan Omar with apple cider vinegar during a January town hall in Minnesota has reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. Anthony Kazmierczak is expected to change his plea to guilty at a May 7 hearing in federal court.

Weekly cyber roundup flags Myanmar scam compound and wider attacks

Authorities charged managers tied to a scam compound in Myanmar, according to a weekly security roundup that also noted Europol disruptions to DDoS-for-hire networks, pre-disclosure flaw exploitation, a breach of France’s ID portal, and attacks on Israeli and Venezuelan critical infrastructure. The report also flagged continued Russian hacking activity in Ukraine, plus an Apache flaw and a BlackCat ransomware case.

Cloudsmith raises $72 million for supply-chain security push

Cloudsmith has raised a $72 million Series C led by TCV to expand its software supply-chain security platform. The company says it will use the money for policy enforcement, auditability, and real-time package risk analysis, as security teams keep discovering that open-source dependencies do, in fact, depend on being secure.

DHS Cites Kansas Election Fraud Case to Promote SAVE Verification System

The Department of Homeland Security is pointing to a Kansas election fraud case as proof that its SAVE verification system matters. Jose Ceballos-Armendariz, a Mexican national and former mayor of Coldwater, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts tied to improper participation in elections after prosecutors said he voted multiple times and falsely claimed U.S. citizenship on voter registration forms. He was fined $2,000, given a six-month suspended sentence, and avoided jail time. DHS says SAVE lets state and local officials check immigration status against federal databases, and Kansas officials have argued it can help prevent cases like this.

DeSantis Pushes Back on Jeffries Over Florida Redistricting Fight

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing back after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned Florida Republicans against moving ahead with new congressional maps. DeSantis mocked the warning and said he would welcome Jeffries to campaign in Florida, as both parties intensify the national fight over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms. Florida could become a major flashpoint, though the state constitution limits maps drawn to favor or disadvantage a party or incumbent.

Whoopi Goldberg Calls for an End to Redistricting Escalation

Whoopi Goldberg used a TV appearance to argue that both parties have taken redistricting too far and should stop constantly redrawing maps. Her comments came after Virginia voters approved a measure that could give Democrats temporary control over redistricting and potentially reshape the state’s congressional delegation. She said the back-and-forth leaves voters and candidates stuck in a system where politicians keep choosing the districts instead of the other way around.

Joe Rogan Criticizes Trump’s Iran Strategy After Ceasefire Extension

Joe Rogan said President Trump’s Iran strategy “doesn’t make sense,” revisiting his criticism of the conflict days after appearing with Trump at the White House for an executive order signing. He made the comments while discussing the situation in the Middle East on his podcast.

Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Pensioner and Stabbing Two Others in London

A 68-year-old man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the death of 77-year-old Hilkiah McLeggan in London on Remembrance Sunday. He also admitted wounding two other people with intent and carrying a blade after a stabbing attack at East Street Market in Walworth, where the victims were seriously injured and the pensioner died at the scene. The court heard he had a long-standing schizoaffective disorder diagnosis, had been held at Broadmoor, and the case was adjourned until May 1 for a sentencing date to be set.

Hyundai pivots to electric vehicles in China after 24 years

Hyundai Motor Group is overhauling its China strategy and shifting toward electric vehicles in an effort to revive its position in the world’s largest auto market.

Trump Ousts Navy Secretary John Phelan as Shipbuilding Tensions Grow

President Trump abruptly removed Navy Secretary John Phelan, 13 months into the job, in the latest shake-up at Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon. The firing underscores Trump’s concern over his ambitious and divisive push to reshape U.S. shipbuilding.

Haberman says Trump wants the Iran war to end

New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman said Wednesday that her sense is President Trump would like to be done with the Iran war as negotiations continue. She pointed to his Truth Social posts and a roughly 40-minute appearance on Squawk Box as signs that he is frustrated.

Bank of England Deputy Warns Stock Markets Are Overvalued and Could Fall

A senior Bank of England official said stock markets are too high and are likely to fall, a rare direct warning from the central bank. The remark stood out because officials like to sound cautious, not like they’ve just checked the scoreboard and hated the result.

Microsoft Adds an AI Co-Author to Word and Expands Copilot in Excel and PowerPoint

Microsoft is rolling out a more hands-on version of Copilot that can make edits in Word instead of just suggesting them. The company is also bringing agentic Copilot features to Excel and PowerPoint, turning its longtime assistant into something closer to an actual co-worker, for better or worse.

Iran threatens Dubai and shows propaganda footage of ship seizures in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s state media says Tehran would target Bahrain and the UAE if the U.S. launched a ground assault on Iranian territory, and warned that attacks on Iranian infrastructure could put regional oil and power facilities at risk. State television also aired propaganda footage showing masked Revolutionary Guard commandos boarding cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while tensions with Washington remain unresolved and the U.S. continues its blockade of Iranian ports.

Rapist Who Infected Men and Boys with HIV Sent to Prison

A judge jailed Adam Hall after saying he took away the futures of his victims, including boys aged 15 and 17, by infecting them with HIV.

Taiwan Adapts Drone Warfare Lessons from Ukraine to Indo-Pacific Defense

As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan is quietly speeding up a shift toward a cheaper, less vulnerable defense strategy centered on drones.

Judge Approves Revised $425 Million Capital One Settlement

A U.S. district judge in Virginia approved a revised £315 million, or $425 million, class-action settlement against Capital One on Monday, April 20, 2026. The payout could mean an unexpected windfall for millions of savers as the case reaches its final stage.

Trump Moves to Reclassify State-Licensed Medical Marijuana as Less Dangerous

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order on Thursday, at President Trump’s direction, to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug. The change does not legalize marijuana under federal law, but it does affect how it is regulated in the dozens of states that allow it.

Pedestrian killed in Route 13 crash in New Castle, Delaware

A pedestrian was struck and killed on Route 13 in New Castle, Delaware, on Wednesday night.

BBC cancels Football Focus after 52 years

The BBC has confirmed that Football Focus will end at the close of the season, bringing the long-running football programme to a stop after 52 years. The show, currently hosted by Alex Scott, has seen its audience fall in recent years and had only narrowly avoided cancellation in a BBC Sport restructuring last year.

Two Delaware County Police Officers Charged With Helping a Drug Dealer

Two Delaware County police officers have been charged with allegedly helping a drug dealer by providing confidential law enforcement information. It is the kind of public trust breach that makes the badge look less like authority and more like a side hustle.

New Jersey GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Misses a Month of House Votes, Prompting Concern

New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has not been seen by colleagues for more than a month and has missed nearly 50 House roll calls, including no votes since March 5. Fellow New Jersey Republicans say they have tried reaching him and got no response, while people close to his office say he has had unspecified health issues and expects to return in the next few weeks. Kean’s swing district is already rated a toss-up as Democrats target the seat in the midterms.

France plans new detention centre to deport migrants before Channel crossings

France is setting up a new detention hub near Dunkirk to detain and remove migrants who are identified as likely to attempt small-boat crossings to the UK. The plan includes more French officers, a temporary trial run from May in Coquelles, and a wider UK-France deal that would fund enforcement on the northern French coast, with some of the money tied to results.

ICC Confirms Crimes-Against-Humanity Trial for Former Philippine President Duterte

The International Criminal Court has confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, meaning he will face trial over his anti-drug campaign. The case marks a major legal step in the long-running scrutiny of the violence tied to his so-called war on drugs.

EU Approves €90 Billion Loan for Ukraine After Hungary Drops Veto

The European Union has ended a two-month standoff by approving a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after Hungary lifted its veto. Brussels says the first payment will be made as soon as possible.

EU poised to approve a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and new Russia sanctions

The European Union is set to approve a €90 billion loan for Ukraine along with fresh sanctions on Russia after Hungary and Slovakia dropped their opposition, following the reopening of the Druzhba oil pipeline. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Kyiv wants to receive the first tranche of the loan by the end of May or early June, calling it support for Ukraine’s army.

Rilian Raises $17.5 Million for AI-Native Security Orchestration

Rilian has raised $17.5 million to expand its AI-native security orchestration business. The company says it will use the funding to hire new talent and grow operations across the U.S. and other allied countries.

NBCUniversal’s Peacock Loses $432 Million as Subscribers Reach 46 Million

Comcast reported first-quarter results showing Peacock lost $432 million even as subscribers rose to 46 million. The company also said revenue got an extra $2.2 billion boost from the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl.

Former Morrisons Manager Sacked After Confronting Shoplifter Faces Protest at Store

A protest is being planned outside a Morrisons in Aldridge after long-serving manager Sean Egan was dismissed for confronting a repeat shoplifter. Egan, who worked at the store for 29 years, says the sacking has left him in a deep depression, while supporters and a former colleague are backing him publicly. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has also said he is baffled by the decision and believes people should be able to intervene in crime when it is safe to do so. Morrisons says its staff must follow strict procedures and should not put themselves at risk.

Senate Republicans advance a $70 billion ICE and border security plan without Democratic support

Senate Republicans used budget reconciliation to move a $70 billion plan for ICE and border enforcement forward without Democratic backing, during a lengthy late-night vote-a-rama.

Taxpayers Pay Tens of Thousands to Promote Labour’s Digital ID Consultation on Podcasts

The government is spending tens of thousands of pounds advertising its Digital ID consultation on podcasts. The project is led by Darren Jones, who says the consultation, launched on 10 March, is genuine and not just for show.

Former Chester hospital boss arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice

Police have arrested a former senior leader at the Countess of Chester hospital on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. The arrest is part of an investigation into alleged gross negligence manslaughter by ex-senior leaders at the hospital, and the suspect was already among three former leaders arrested last year in that probe.

Europe Feels the Economic Fallout as the Iran War Hits the Eurozone

The eurozone’s private sector slipped back into contraction in April, its weakest reading in nearly a year and a half. Services were hit as the war in Iran fed inflation and added fresh pressure to the region’s economy.

Trump Says He Is Under No Pressure to End the War With Iran

President Donald Trump said the extension of America’s truce with Iran has no expiry date and that there is no time pressure to end the war.

UK government borrowing falls by £20 billion, but outlook weakens over Iran war

UK borrowing has improved by £20 billion, but analysts say that relief may not last. They warn the impact of the Iran war has yet to feed through, leaving the public finances on shakier ground ahead.

Russian Oil Supplies to Slovakia Resume Through Druzhba Pipeline

Bratislava says Slovakia started receiving crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline early Thursday, ending a three-month halt.

Prince Harry makes surprise overnight train trip from Poland to Ukraine

Prince Harry arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced overnight train from Poland for a visit focused on Ukraine’s war effort. He is set to address the Kyiv Security Conference, support the Invictus Games Foundation, and visit The Halo Trust’s de-mining work, while urging world leaders not to become numb to the conflict.

Italy Faces Pressure to Cancel Kanye West Concert After Several European Dates Are Scrapped

Kanye West’s 2026 European tour has already lost dates in the UK, France, Poland and Switzerland over his past antisemitic remarks. Now his planned concert in Italy is facing mounting pressure from trade unions and politicians to be canceled as well.

Three Republican senators back Sanders amendment to cap U.S. drug prices at European and Canadian levels

Three Republican senators supported a Bernie Sanders amendment that would require Americans to pay no more for prescription drugs than people in Europe or Canada. Among them were Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, two of the chamber’s most vulnerable Republicans.

Met Police chief backs Morrisons manager sacked after confronting shoplifter

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has backed Sean Egan, the former Morrisons manager who was dismissed after physically confronting a shoplifter at a store near Walsall. Rowley said he sympathised with Egan and would support members of the public who believe they can safely help tackle crime. Morrisons said it has clear procedures for shoplifting incidents and will not ask staff to put themselves at risk.

Autopsy Says Celeste Rivas Hernandez Died of Multiple Penetrating Injuries

An autopsy found that Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from multiple penetrating injuries to the torso. Her body was found last summer in the trunk of singer D4vd’s car.

Netherlands approves $200 million purchase of 530 Hellfire missiles

The U.S. State Department has approved a $200 million foreign military sale to the Dutch government for 530 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles, along with technical assistance. Lockheed Martin in Orlando is the principal contractor. It is a larger package than the 386 missiles approved in a $150 million deal two years ago.

Brian McDermott to coach England at the Rugby League World Cup

Brian McDermott will lead England’s men into this autumn’s Rugby League World Cup as the team’s new head coach.

Reform UK proposes ending guaranteed public sector pensions for new workers

Reform UK says it would end defined benefit, or guaranteed, pension schemes for new public sector workers from 2030 if it wins the next general election. Doctors, teachers and civil servants hired after that date would instead be moved to defined contribution plans, while existing workers would keep their current entitlements. The party says the change would reduce long-term pressure on public finances and make state pensions more like those in the private sector.

U.S. Approves $214 Million AIM-9X Missile Sale to Lithuania

Washington has approved a $214 million sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles to Lithuania, according to the U.S. State Department. The package includes 152 tactical missiles, eight tactical guidance units, and six captive air training missiles, giving the NATO ally a boost to its short-range air defenses.