France’s Jean-Luc Mélenchon announces 2027 presidential bid 04. May 2026 (14:26) The radical left leader will seek presidency for the fourth time – despite previously vowing to stand aside Jean-Luc Mélenchon, France’s radical left leader, has confirmed he will run again for president next spring, saying it was urgent for the country to stand up against war being waged by the US and Israel in the Middle East.The 74-year-old veteran leader of La France Insoumise (LFI), announced in an interview with the French broadcaster TF1 that he would run for the presidency for the fourth time in 2027. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Shropshire council staff met with rising ‘abuse and intimidation’ over removal of flags 04. May 2026 (14:24) Authority says workers and councillors ‘threatened for explaining the council’s position’ as union jack and St George’s flags taken downResidents, council staff and councillors have been subject to rising “abuse, harassment and intimidation” directly linked to the removal of unauthorised flags, a local authority has said.Shropshire council said it had recorded a rise in reports of abuse with staff and members “being threatened for explaining the council’s position” on the removal of flags and when they attempt to do so – “even in day-to-day work to repair street lighting”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Hundreds more prisoners released early but jails still full 04. May 2026 (14:13) New data shows more than 600 prisoners have been released early from Scotland's jails since November but it has done little to ease overcrowding. (BBC News)
Cruise ship at centre of suspected hantavirus outbreak blocked from docking in Cape Verde 04. May 2026 (14:06) Officials say they will not authorise docking ‘to protect public health’ after deaths of three passengers What is hantavirus, the infection thought to have killed three on cruise ship?Officials in Cape Verde have said they will not allow a cruise ship believed to be harbouring an outbreak of a rare respiratory virus to dock in its ports, after the deaths of three passengers onboard.The statement on Monday came hours after global health officials said they were scrambling to investigate the suspected outbreak of hantavirus, a disease primarily found in rodents, on the cruise ship in the Atlantic. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Republicans split with Trump and back Haitians – to save their seats 04. May 2026 (14:00) In Ohio, where Haitians have helped revive the economy, vulnerable Republicans are reluctant to toe the Trump lineFor months Carl Ruby, a pastor at a church in Springfield, Ohio, and a prominent supporter of the city’s estimated 10,000 Haitian immigrants, had been trying to contact his local congressman, Republican Mike Turner.Ruby had long hoped for an opportunity to explain in person the difficulties facing Haitians in Springfield and how that community had helped revive the struggling town. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Three killed, including girl aged ten, and dozens injured after monster truck ploughs into crowd
Ex-Met Police chief sexually assaulted two 'vulnerable young men' during 'chemsex sessions' after meeting on Grindr, court hears
Homeowner could have to demolish annexe after 'trying to rent it out for £1,300-a-month on Facebook' - despite claiming he built it for 'his own use'
King is 'delighted' as Princess Eugenie announces she is expecting third child with husband Jack Brooksbank