Iniaes

Farage backs jail terms for lawyers accused of helping migrants fake gay asylum claims

Reform UK has proposed making it a criminal offence for lawyers to help illegal migrants file fraudulent asylum claims, including false claims about sexuality, with a maximum sentence of two years. The plan follows a BBC investigation alleging that law firms and advisers were coaching asylum seekers to lie, and comes as the government says people caught lying will have their claims cancelled and be removed from Britain.

Repsol reaches Venezuela deal to regain control of oil assets and increase output

Spanish energy company Repsol says it has reached an agreement with Venezuela’s government and state oil company PDVSA to regain operational control of key oil assets. The deal is expected to sharply increase production over the next three years.

Labour urged to back in-car alcohol locks for repeat drink-driving offenders

Labour is being urged to support alcohol interlock devices, or alcolocks, for repeat drink-driving offenders as part of tougher road safety rules. The devices would stop a car starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. Campaigners and groups including the RAC, Brake and RoSPA say the measure could cut reoffending and reduce deaths and serious injuries, while the government is also considering a lower drink-drive limit, tougher penalties, and possible licence suspensions for suspected offenders.

Woman dies after dog attack at a house

A woman in her 70s has died after being attacked by dogs at a house. The dogs, which are not thought to be a banned breed, were later destroyed.

New Jersey governor blasts FIFA over steep World Cup transit costs

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has accused FIFA of leaving fans to cover inflated transport costs for this summer’s World Cup and said the governing body should help pay. She said NJ Transit faces a $48 million bill to move supporters, while FIFA is generating about $11 billion in revenue. Special event fares for the train to MetLife Stadium could rise to more than $100 for a round trip, with no concession rates for children or pensioners, and similar price hikes have already been set for travel to matches near Boston.

Putin closes parts of the Arctic to ships and aircraft ahead of missile launch warning near NATO border

Russia has closed off large sections of the Barents Sea off Norway’s northern coast through April 30, warning vessels and aircraft to stay clear of areas where missile debris is expected to fall. The restriction is tied to a Soyuz rocket launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome around April 23, with two payload fairings projected to land in the designated zone. The notice matters because the area sits near NATO borders and covers important shipping and fishing waters.

UK prepares for possible food shortages if the Iran war drags on

UK government officials have drawn up a worst-case scenario in which the country could face some food shortages by the summer if the Iran war continues. That is a bleak planning note, not a forecast, but it shows officials are bracing for disruption.

Russian missile and drone attack on Ukrainian cities kills at least 16, injures 98

An overnight Russian air assault on Ukrainian cities involving hundreds of missiles and drones killed at least 16 people and injured 98, according to the details provided. The exchange of strikes comes as the war’s civilian toll keeps climbing, with no sign that the missiles are interested in diplomacy.

Zelenskyy says Russia does not deserve sanctions relief after deadly overnight strikes in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia does not deserve any lifting of sanctions after overnight strikes that he said involved nearly 700 drones and 19 ballistic missiles, mainly hitting Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro. Separately, Hungary’s outgoing prime minister, Viktor Orbán, will skip his final EU summit as he prepares to hand over power after losing last Sunday’s parliamentary election, and Hungary’s EU affairs minister said the country will not be politically represented there.

UK Could Face Food Shortages in a Worst-Case Iran War Scenario

Officials have drawn up a worst-case scenario in which the UK could see some food shortages by the summer if a wider Iran war disrupts supply chains. The warning is framed as a contingency, not a confirmed shortage, but it underscores how quickly a foreign conflict can start messing with groceries at home.

Economy Grew Faster Than Expected Before Iran War

The economy posted its biggest monthly rise in more than two years just before the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

LIV Golf Chiefs Meet Amid Growing Speculation Over the Tour’s Future

LIV Golf executives have been called to an urgent meeting in New York as speculation grows over the breakaway circuit’s future. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly pushing for a deal with the PGA Tour rather than shutting LIV down completely. Players in Mexico said they had not been told anything official, while the event’s media centre was unexpectedly closed and senior figures were absent from the tournament. The tour is said to have received more than £3.5 billion in funding and to be losing about £50 million a month, raising fresh questions about how long this can keep going in its current form.

Pope Leo XIV Visits Cameroon as Biya Faces Unrest and Separatist War

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Yaoundé on Wednesday and urged Cameroon’s leaders to tackle corruption, setting a tense tone for a visit taking place as President Paul Biya faces unrest and a separatist war.

Fire at Geelong oil refinery is extinguished after 13 hours, but fuel supply concerns remain

An explosive fire at the Viva Energy refinery in Corio, near Geelong, was put out after about 13 hours. The plant supplies half of Victoria’s fuel and 10% of Australia’s, and officials say petrol production has been hit, while the full extent of the damage is still unknown.

LIV Golf CEO Says 2026 Season Will Go Ahead Despite Funding Rumours

LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil has told staff the 2026 season will go ahead as planned, after reports that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund could be reconsidering its backing. His message came as the league opened its Mexico event and sought to calm questions about its finances, even as speculation continues over how long the funding will last.

Apple News revenue helps BBC Science Focus nearly double its team

BBC Science Focus says Apple News has become a major source of revenue and growth, helping the magazine nearly double its editorial team to 11 full-time staff and lift monthly page views to 3 million. Publisher and editor Daniel Bennett said the title shifted to a digital-first strategy in 2022, rewrote content for Apple News, and found that the platform rewarded engagement and longer reading time rather than quick clicks.

UK economy grew 0.5% in February before energy shock, beating forecasts

The UK economy grew 0.5% in February, far above expectations, and January’s figures were also revised slightly higher. Economists say that momentum may not last, with March surveys already weakening as the Middle East conflict pushed energy prices higher.

FA opens betting investigation into Kettering manager Liam McDonald

The Football Association has opened an investigation into allegations that Kettering Town manager Liam McDonald breached betting rules. The claims are understood to relate to his time at Redditch about a decade ago and include an allegation that he bet against his own team. The FA’s rules ban participants in the game from Step 4 and above from betting on football anywhere in the world.

Andy Simpson to finally receive an England Test cap at 71

Andy Simpson, the former England hooker who spent years on the bench without an official Test cap, is finally being recognized by the RFU at age 71. After reviewing its archives, the RFU has decided that several matches against full-strength national sides should count as Tests, and Simpson is among 47 former players invited to a belated capping ceremony on 8 June.

Center City retail occupancy reaches a two-year high as downtown storefronts refill

Center City’s retail occupancy has risen to its highest level in two years, according to new data from the Center City District. Downtown Philadelphia storefronts are filling back up as retail activity improves.

Russian drone and missile strikes kill three in Ukraine, including a child

Russian forces struck Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities early Thursday, killing three people, including a 12-year-old child, and injuring more than 20, officials said. Two people were killed in Kyiv and another in Dnipro, with buildings badly damaged as Moscow continued near-nightly drone attacks and recently expanded daytime strikes.

Two police officers charged after pregnant woman dies in London crash

Two Metropolitan Police officers have been charged after a pregnant woman died in a crash in Eltham on October 17, 2024. The 38-year-old woman later died in hospital, and her unborn child died at the scene. PC Chris Johnson is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, while former PC Danny Tomkins is charged with dangerous driving. Both are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 28, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Fire at Geelong Oil Refinery Extinguished After 13 Hours, Fuel Supply Concerns Continue

An explosive fire at Viva Energy’s refinery in Corio, near Geelong, has been extinguished after about 13 hours. The blaze affected petrol production at one of Australia’s two remaining oil refineries, which supplies half of Victoria’s fuel and 10% of the nation’s fuel, and officials say the full extent of the damage is still unknown.

Man Found Shot in Vehicle at Cherry Hill Shopping Center

Investigators were called to Liberty Bell Bank Plaza just before 4 p.m. and found a man inside a Ford pickup truck with a gunshot wound. No other details were provided.

Philadelphia Police Break Up Two Car Theft Rings Targeting Hondas

Philadelphia police say they have busted two car theft rings that were targeting Hondas. The department says 3,497 cars have been stolen in the city this year, and 923 of them were Hondas. Police also say 780 of those stolen Hondas were 2018 models or newer.

Vance Warns Pope Leo XIV to Be Careful After Vatican Criticism of Iran Conflict

Senior Trump administration officials sharply criticized the Vatican on Tuesday after Pope Leo XIV opposed the conflict with Iran. Vice President JD Vance told the pope to be careful when speaking about theology, and White House Border Czar Tom Homan told him to leave politics alone.

Police arrest FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive one day after he was added to the list

Authorities say KaShawn Nicola Roper, who was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, was arrested Wednesday in connection with an alleged 2020 fatal shooting in Missouri.

Burlington County officers save woman who suffered heart attack on roadside

Police in Washington Township, Burlington County, say officers pulled a woman from her car after it hit a telephone pole on Greentree Road and found her unconscious, not breathing, and without a pulse. Officer Dante Moore, on his first day on solo patrol, performed CPR while other officers used an AED and helped revive her. Body camera video shows the rescue, and officials say she is expected to fully recover.

Federal Workers Still Using Claude Despite Trump’s Shutdown Order

Federal agency staffers say they are still using Anthropic’s Claude tools weeks after President Donald Trump ordered an immediate halt. Officials are focusing first on tracking where the AI is being used and finding alternatives, rather than forcing an instant cutoff.

China’s Economy Grows Faster Than Expected Despite the Iran War

China reported stronger-than-expected GDP growth even as the conflict involving Iran has weighed on other Asian economies. The data suggests China has, at least for now, held up better than many of its regional neighbors.

Family Seeks Answers After Camden Man Is Found Dead

The medical examiner ruled Haas’s death a homicide, saying he died from blunt trauma to the torso. Family members are now seeking answers in the Camden death investigation.

Miriam Adelson Gives Republicans $40 Million for House and Senate Races

Miriam Adelson has given $40 million to Republican House and Senate super PACs, adding to the party’s campaign funds as it tries to keep control of both chambers.

Jury Finds Ticketmaster and Live Nation Held Anticompetitive Monopoly Over Major Concert Venues

A jury has found that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary held a harmful monopoly over major concert venues. The verdict adds fresh legal pressure to a company that already seems to own enough of the live music business to keep everyone else in the waiting room.

House Democrats file six impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

House Democrats have filed six articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanors over the Iran attack without congressional authorization, deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, and sharing classified information on Signal.

Britain Warns of Food Shortages if Iran Conflict Disrupts Key Shipping Route

Britain has carried out secret emergency planning for possible food and supply shortages if the Iran conflict closes the Strait of Hormuz for an extended period. Officials say carbon dioxide supplies could be hit badly, which would disrupt meat processing, food storage, brewing, and some healthcare services, though they say widespread shortages are not expected. The government has already restarted one plant to boost CO2 supply and is preparing possible emergency powers if the situation worsens.

Kristi Noem’s Old Leadership PAC Still Holds Nearly $1.1 Million

A new Federal Election Commission filing shows Kristi Noem’s old leadership PAC still has nearly $1.1 million on hand. The disclosure comes as Noem faces congressional and legal scrutiny over her handling of Homeland Security funds, with some Democrats accusing her of fraud.

Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Is Reported to Have Praised Hamas Tactics

Jewish Insider reports that Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner repeatedly praised the tactics used in a 2014 Hamas raid into Israel that killed at least five Israeli soldiers. In a comment about graphic video from the attack, Platner called it a “damn fine looking and successful raid” and said he had little problem with killing an enemy combatant if capture failed.

Bayern and Real Madrid produce a seven-goal Champions League thriller with two red cards

Bayern and Real Madrid played out a chaotic Champions League knockout tie featuring seven goals, two red cards, and the fastest strike of this season’s competition. The 15-time winners were eliminated in anger, and European club football once again found a dramatic way to remind everyone why the knockout rounds are not meant for calm people.

Trump Administration Wants Automakers to Help Produce Weapons

The Trump administration is pushing automakers and other American manufacturers to take on a larger role in weapons production, according to The Wall Street Journal. The idea echoes the World War II-era model of converting industrial capacity for military use.

South Korea’s Import Prices Jump 16.1% in March, Biggest Rise in 28 Years

South Korea’s import prices rose 16.1% in March from the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea. That was the sharpest monthly increase in more than 28 years.

Sotomayor Publicly Apologizes to Kavanaugh

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor publicly apologized to Justice Brett Kavanaugh after saying last week that he likely did not know any blue-collar workers because of his privileged upbringing. A rare moment of civility on the Supreme Court, which is apparently still capable of one.

Washington Man Charged With Killing Two Men After Claiming They Were Flirting With His Girlfriend

A 49-year-old Washington man is accused of shooting and killing two cousins at a teen birthday party after saying he thought they were flirting with his girlfriend. Police say he left the party, got a gun from home, returned, and opened fire outside the hall before fleeing, leading to a chase and arrest. He is charged with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and attempting to elude police, and is being held without bond.

Jury Finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster Operated an Illegal Monopoly

A Manhattan federal jury found Live Nation, Ticketmaster’s parent company, holds an illegal monopoly in live entertainment and violated antitrust laws. The verdict came after four days of deliberation in a case brought by the U.S. government and joined by dozens of state and district attorneys.

White House Says Talks Are Underway on a Second Round of Iran Negotiations in Pakistan

The White House says discussions are underway on a second round of Iran talks in Pakistan. Negotiators are reportedly focusing on three sticking points from last weekend: Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages.

Police Say Man Stabbed Woman at Willow Grove Park Mall and Was Taken Into Custody

Police say a man stabbed a woman near a jewelry store at Willow Grove Park Mall in Abington Township around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday and fled through Bloomingdale’s. He was later found near a bus stop on Moreland Road and Park Avenue and taken into custody. The woman was taken to the hospital, and police have not released her condition, the suspect’s identity, or a motive. Police say there is no current threat to the community.

Senate Republicans Block Fourth Bid to Limit Trump’s War Powers Over Iran

Senate Republicans blocked a resolution to limit President Trump’s war authority in Iran for the fourth time, voting 52-47 mostly along party lines. The vote came as the conflict moves closer to the 60-day limit set out in the War Powers Act, with Sen. Rand Paul joining Democrats in support of the measure.

MPs reject under-16 social media ban for the second time

MPs have again voted down a plan to ban under-16s from social media, rejecting a Lords amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill by 256 votes to 150. The government backed the Commons vote as the prime minister prepared to press tech bosses for tougher action on online safety for children.

US and Iran Hold Indirect Talks on Extending Ceasefire

The US and Iran are holding indirect talks to extend a two-week ceasefire beyond its April 22 expiry, while Pakistan’s army chief is in Tehran to continue mediation. The White House says it is still engaged in the negotiations and feels good about the chances of a deal, though it denies formally asking for an extension.

IAEA Says North Korea Is Improving Its Nuclear Weapons Capability

The IAEA says North Korea is showing a serious increase in its ability to make nuclear weapons. North Korea, which carried out its first nuclear test in 2006, remains under heavy U.N. sanctions over its banned weapons programs.

Jury Finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster Held an Illegal Monopoly Over Major Concert Venues

A jury has found that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary maintained a harmful monopoly over major concert venues. The verdict is a setback for the company in a lawsuit brought by dozens of U.S. states.

Live Nation Loses Jury Trial in Monopoly Case Brought by States

Live Nation has lost a jury trial in a monopoly case brought by states, and the ruling now shifts the fight to a judge who will decide the remedy. Possible outcomes could include major changes to the company, including a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

New Poll Shows Steyer and Hilton Leading California Governor’s Race

A new SurveyUSA poll finds Tom Steyer leading the California governor’s race with 21% of likely voters, followed by Steve Hilton at 18% in the jungle primary. Eric Swalwell and former Rep. Katie Porter are tied for third

Los Angeles County Official Seeks FAA Probe After Ice Chunk Crashes Through House Roof

A Los Angeles County official is calling for a Federal Aviation Administration investigation after a chunk of ice crashed through the roof of a house and landed on a living room couch.

Zelenskyy Says Ukraine’s Patriot Missile Shortage Is at a Critical Point

Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s shortage of Patriot missiles has reached a critical point. At the same time, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said ending aid to Ukraine was one of the Trump administration’s proudest achievements, sharpening the political contrast around military support.

Farmer Warns UK-US Trade Deal Could Worsen Pressure on British Agriculture

A British farmer says the UK-US trade deal could be changed for the worse as tensions between Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer grow. He says tariff-free U.S. ethanol has already hurt British wheat producers and warns that more U.S. market access could undercut UK farming standards and leave farmers with even less protection.

Iran’s Embassy in Tajikistan Posts AI Video of Jesus Punching Trump

Iran’s embassy in Tajikistan posted an AI-generated video on X showing Jesus Christ punching President Trump in the face. In the clip, Christ appears above Trump, in a nod to an image Trump had earlier posted on Truth Social.

BBC plans to cut nearly one in 10 jobs to save £500 million

The BBC says it will cut almost one in 10 staff as part of a plan to make £500 million in savings. Interim Director General Rhodri Talfan Davies told employees about the move on Wednesday.

Chinese National Sentenced to One Year for Smuggling Ants Out of Kenya

A Chinese national, Zhang Kequn, has been given a one-year prison sentence after being arrested in March while trying to travel to China with more than 2,000 live ants.

Hegseth to meet lawmakers on Pentagon’s proposed $1.5 trillion budget

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to go to Capitol Hill next week to meet with top House and Senate lawmakers about the Pentagon’s proposed $1.5 trillion budget. He is scheduled to meet Monday with the “big eight” — the top Republicans and Democrats on the Armed Services and Defense Appropriations committees, according to Rep. Adam Smith.

‘Baby Jessica’ posts on Facebook days after her arrest in a domestic assault case

Jessica McClure Morales, known worldwide as “Baby Jessica,” posted a cryptic message on Facebook days after her arrest in Midland County, Texas. Police said she was taken into custody Saturday night at her home and charged with assault causing bodily injury involving family violence; she was later released on bond. Morales rose to fame in 1987 after being rescued from a well in Midland as an 18-month-old.

Jason Gilmore Addresses Harlequins’ Major Injury Crisis

Jason Gilmore says Harlequins are dealing with a serious injury crisis, with as many as 27 senior players unavailable and only 24 fit players in the squad. The club says the absences are spread across the forwards and backs, with some players due back soon but others set to miss the rest of the season. Harlequins head to Bath next after their Champions Cup exit, and Gilmore says the shortage could open the door for younger players to step up.

Ben Stokes Says He Was Lucky to Survive Fractured Cheekbone Injury

Ben Stokes says he was lucky to be alive after a cricket ball hit him in the face during training at Durham’s academy in February, leaving him with a fractured cheekbone and requiring major facial surgery. The England captain said the incident was a scary one, delayed his season preparations by about a month, and he now expects to return for Durham before leading England against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4.

Starmer says he will not yield to Trump’s pressure over Iran war

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he will not give in to pressure from Donald Trump over the Iran war, after the US president warned that America’s trade deal with Britain can always be changed. It’s a tidy reminder that diplomacy now comes with a side of tariff leverage.

Hollinrake Slams Starmer for Rejecting Cross-Party Defence Spending Deal

Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake has criticised Keir Starmer for rejecting a cross-party offer to work together on higher defence spending. He said the Conservatives want military funding increased to 3% of GDP and would pay for it through welfare cuts, including tighter assessments for some mental health claims. Hollinrake called the rejection “disgraceful” and said the government needs to spend more now.

U.S. Military Turns Back Six Ships, Halts Trade From Iran’s Ports Amid Blockade

The U.S. military says it turned six ships around as part of an effort to completely stop trade from Iran’s ports, following President Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said the six merchant vessels complied with U.S. forces within the first 24 hours of the blockade.

Brussels Says EU Age Verification System Is Ready as It Presses Platforms to Protect Children

Ursula von der Leyen told major online platforms there are “no more excuses” not to protect children online, as the European Commission said its age verification system is ready for rollout. The push adds pressure on platforms to tighten child safety measures across the EU.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he is surprised the Hillsborough Law has not been passed

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he is surprised the Hillsborough Law still has not been passed, and said families should not have to fight for the truth about how their loved ones died.

British Virgin Atlantic cabin crew member arrested in Florida after alleged Disney World shove

A Virgin Atlantic cabin crew member from Newcastle has been arrested in the U.S. after allegedly shoving an 18-year-old girl at Walt Disney World in Florida. Keith Newman faces a battery charge over the February 20 incident at Magic Kingdom, has pleaded not guilty, and was released on $1,000 bail before returning to Britain. If convicted, he could face a fine or up to 12 months in prison.

Report Says Iran Secretly Acquired a Chinese Spy Satellite

The Financial Times reports that Iran secretly acquired a Chinese spy satellite, giving the Islamic Republic a new capability to track targets, including U.S. military bases across the Middle East, during the recent war.

James Talarico Raises $27 Million in First Quarter for Senate Campaign

Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico raised $27 million in the first quarter of the year, according to Punchbowl News. That is a very large haul, which in politics usually means money is still the loudest voice in the room.

UK to supply more than 120,000 drones to Ukraine this year

The UK says it will send more than 120,000 drones to Ukraine this year in its largest drone package yet. The mix includes long-range strike drones, reconnaissance systems, logistics drones and maritime capabilities, with deliveries already beginning this month. Defence Secretary John Healey is in Berlin for a Ukraine support meeting, where he is also expected to confirm further artillery rounds and air defence missiles as part of the UK’s wider military aid commitment.

New Jersey’s 11th District holds special election for a new House member

Voters in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District are casting ballots in a special election to replace Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill in the U.S. House. Democrat Analilia Mejia, a progressive organizer and former Labor Department official, is facing Republican Joe Hathaway, a Randolph Township Council member. The district leans Democratic, and a Mejia win would further trim Republicans’ narrow House majority. The campaign has centered heavily on the Israel-Hamas war and U.S. support for Israel, with polls closing at 8 p.m.

German robotics firm starts GEREON production in the UK after British Army contract

German robotics company ARX Robotics says it has begun manufacturing autonomous ground systems in the United Kingdom after winning its first contract with the British Army. The April 15 award, issued through the Army’s Task Force RAPSTONE, covers an initial order of UK-made GEREON uncrewed ground vehicles for ongoing experimentation.

U.S. Says Its Maritime Blockade Has Completely Halted Iran’s Sea Trade

U.S. Central Command says the military’s maritime blockade of Iran has completely halted sea-based trade with the country. That is the official claim, and it points to a sharp escalation in pressure on Iran’s shipping routes.

Trump Says Italy’s Meloni Lacks the Courage to Support a War on Iran

Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she lacked the courage to support a war on Iran and attacking her for defending Pope Leo XIV. The remarks prompted a rare show of unity among Italian parties.

Kanye West postpones France concert a week after UK ban

France’s interior minister, Laurent Nuñez, was seeking to block Kanye West from performing at Marseille’s Velodrome stadium on 11 June because of his anti-Semitic comments. The move came a week after a ban in the UK.

Eben Etzebeth is sidelined again after another injury setback at the Sharks

Eben Etzebeth’s return to the Sharks has been hit by another setback. After missing time for injuries, rest requirements and a 12-match suspension, the Springbok lock suffered a hip injury in his comeback match against Connacht on 3 April and is expected to be out for about two months, which likely ends his season. Reports say he will have played in just 32 of a possible 99 matches for the Sharks by the end of this campaign.

AA fined £4.2 million over hidden booking fees for learner drivers

The Competition and Markets Authority has fined AA driving schools £4.2 million and ordered refunds of more than £760,000 to over 80,000 customers after finding illegal “drip pricing” on online lesson bookings. The regulator said a compulsory £3 booking fee was not shown upfront, and the AA says it has changed its website and is refunding affected customers automatically.

AA and BSM Ordered to Refund Learner Drivers Over Hidden Fees

The owner of the driving schools has been fined after failing to disclose fees upfront online. Learner drivers who were charged the hidden fees are due refunds.

April 15: Eight killed in mass shooting at FedEx facility in Indianapolis

On April 15, 2021, a former employee opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, killing eight people before killing himself. It was Indiana’s deadliest mass shooting.

American investor agrees deal to buy Exeter Chiefs and add new funding

Exeter Chiefs have finalised a deal with a wealthy American backer to take control of the club, pending approval by members at an extraordinary general meeting on 7 May. The sale is being presented as a way to unlock significant fresh funding after the Devon club reported a £10.3 million loss last year.

Arteta urges Arsenal to stay brave before Sporting Champions League test

Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal’s players and supporters to back the team’s bid for Champions League success ahead of Wednesday’s second leg against Sporting. His message comes after recent defeats, including a home loss to Bournemouth that drew boos from some fans.

More Than Half of Britain’s Butterfly Species Are in Decline, Monitoring Data Shows

Britain’s largest insect monitoring scheme says butterfly diversity has fallen over the past half century. Of 58 native species recorded since 1976, 33 have declined and 25 have increased, with warmer weather helping some species but others struggling because they depend on specific plants or habitats.

Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia set to open after ICE raid delays

Hyundai says its Georgia battery plant is ready to open this month after last year’s ICE raid caused staffing shortages and months of delays. The raid led to the detention of 475 people, mostly Korean nationals, at the $7.6 billion complex near Savannah, and sparked backlash in South Korea as well as concerns about U.S. trade relations. Hyundai CEO José Muñoz said the company’s plans have not changed and that most of the plant’s battery workers are now local.

New Crozer-Chester Owners Outline Timeline for Restoring Primary Care Services

Residents welcomed the chance to speak after feeling shut out of decisions around the hospital’s closure. The meeting carried a mix of hope and unease as the new owners outlined a timeline for bringing primary care services back.

Thune Says Senate Could Vote Next Week on ICE and Border Patrol Funding

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Tuesday that a resolution to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol could come up for a Senate vote as soon as next week.

Albanian burglary gang jailed after using Rightmove to target luxury homes

A six-person Albanian crime gang has been jailed after using Rightmove and Google to scout high-end homes across eastern Cheshire for burglaries. Police say the group carried out at least 59 break-ins, stealing jewelry and designer goods worth up to £3 million, and used ladders to reach first-floor windows and balconies. Officers recovered some stolen items and are now trying to trace the owners of hundreds more.

OpenAI Expands Access to Its New GPT-5.4-Cyber Model

OpenAI said it is making GPT-5.4-Cyber more widely available, in a pointed response to Anthropic’s private cybersecurity model release. The company said internal safeguards, customer verification, and “trust signals” are meant to limit misuse.

Miller Says Democrats Keep ‘Blackmail Files’ After Push to Oust Swalwell

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller claimed Tuesday that Democrats keep “blackmail files” to use when it suits them, after a push to remove Rep. Eric Swalwell from Congress over allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual assault. The remarks came in response to the renewed effort against Swalwell, with Miller accusing the Democratic Party of controlling its members through those files.

Watch: Vance Heckled After Criticizing the Pope

At a Turning Point USA event, U.S. Vice President JD Vance was heckled after saying Pope Leo should be careful when speaking about theology.

South Philadelphia Neighbors Alarmed After Masked Man Seen on Rooftops Overnight

Neighbors in South Philadelphia say a masked man was seen on rooftops overnight, raising concerns about safety in the area. They believe he got up there through a broken alley gate next to what they think is an abandoned house.

Saudi Arabia urges Trump to de-escalate the Middle East conflict over retaliation fears

Saudi Arabia is urging Donald Trump to pull back from the widening Middle East conflict, end the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and return to talks with Iran, according to Gulf officials. The concern is that Tehran could retaliate by directing Houthi forces in Yemen to disrupt the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, threatening Red Sea shipping and Saudi oil exports.

Virginia Joins National Popular Vote Compact

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a bill adding the state to the National Popular Vote Compact, an agreement to award presidential electors to the nationwide vote winner. Virginia brings the total to 18 states plus the District of Columbia, totaling 222 electoral votes so far, still short of the 270 needed for the pact to take effect.

U.S. Justice Department Seeks to Overturn Capitol Riot Convictions

The Trump administration is asking a court to throw out the convictions of Stewart Rhodes and other members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys tied to the Capitol riot.

Salt Lake County prosecutors decline to file charges after police investigations

The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office says it will not file charges after investigations by the Draper Police Department and the West Jordan Police Department. A tidy little ending, at least on paper.

Android malware campaign uses fake Meta ads to spread Mirax trojan

An emerging malware-as-a-service operation is using fraudulent ads on Meta-owned apps as an entry point to spread the Mirax remote access trojan. The Android malware is targeting devices in Spanish-speaking countries, while the operation appears to cater to Russian-speaking customers.

CISA tells furloughed staff to report for duty during funding lapse

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has told furloughed employees to report for duty despite the ongoing funding lapse. Homeland Security officials have also directed all furloughed personnel to return on their next scheduled shift, as analysts warn the cybersecurity consequences are piling up nicely.

Study finds chatbots improving on diagnosis, still weak on clinical reasoning

A new study says general-purpose large language model chatbots are getting better at suggesting a patient’s final diagnosis, but they still struggle with clinical reasoning. The main weak spot is building and narrowing differential diagnoses, which remains annoyingly central to medicine.

Reuters says Commvault is exploring a sale after takeover interest

Reuters reports that data protection company Commvault is working with Goldman Sachs to explore a sale after receiving takeover interest from private equity firms and strategic buyers. Thoma Bravo is among the firms said to be interested, as Commvault’s stock has slipped and growth has lagged Rubrik.

Fraud systems strained by instant payments and AI attacks

Fraud prevention has long relied on models that score transactions in real time or after the fact. Instant payments and AI-driven attacks are exposing the flaw in that setup, because by the time the system reacts, the money has usually already gone.

Survey finds enterprise AI scaling faster than data security confidence

A survey of 124 CISOs says most enterprises have scaled AI, but many still lack confidence in their data security controls. Only one in five AI initiatives is meeting KPIs, with enforcement gaps, weak data trust, and poor visibility standing in the way.

Europe weighs postwar coalition to secure shipping through Hormuz

European countries are preparing a plan for a broad coalition to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after the war, including mine-clearing and other military vessels. The effort would come later and could exclude the United States, which is an increasingly fashionable way to test dependence.

Gallup says U.S. environmental optimism hits a record low

A new Gallup poll says just 35 percent of Americans rate the environment’s health positively, the lowest level the pollster has recorded. A small number, in case the planet needed another performance review.

Europe advances fallback NATO plan if the U.S. steps back

European officials are moving ahead with a fallback plan that would let Europe defend itself through NATO’s existing military structures if the U.S. withdraws or declines to help. The effort has support from Germany and is aimed at preserving deterrence against Russia, operational continuity, and nuclear credibility amid growing doubts about American reliability.

Questions grow over Grays Ferry parking garage collapse inspections

Public records reviewed by NBC10 are raising new questions about the Grays Ferry parking garage collapse, including why more than half of the scheduled inspections were canceled or waived. The records also leave unclear whether city inspectors or a special inspector handled the work, while officials say multiple reviews are underway and there is still no evidence of wrongdoing.