Reform revokes council leader's party membership

Hundreds of residents who were evacuated due to a major incident involving the arrest of two men on suspicion of explosives offences have been allowed to return home. Officers conducted a controlled blast to ensure public safety and mitigate risks in the area. The police statement confirmed that officers will remain outside the property where the warrant was executed.

Confirmed flu cases among adults and children in Northern Ireland have surged, with reports indicating that 170 pupils were absent from school in a single day due to illness. A principal has described the situation as 'worse than Covid,' highlighting the severity of the outbreak.

Flights have resumed at Edinburgh Airport following a recent outage that caused significant disruptions, including delays, diversions, and cancellations. The airport is working to restore normal operations after the incident.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will not face an ethics investigation over her pre-Budget remarks, despite accusations from the Conservative Party that she portrayed an overly-negative economic outlook to justify tax increases. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has also decided against probing her or the Treasury regarding these allegations.

A recent analysis highlights a significant 'fertility gap' where for every three children desired, only two are born, according to an expert. This discrepancy raises questions about the factors contributing to the decline in birth rates and the increasing prevalence of one-child families.

Namibia has lost its bid to overturn a ban on the trade of rhino horns, a significant setback for the country that has accumulated large stockpiles of rhino horn through a controversial practice aimed at deterring poachers.

Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin has called for an £18.5 million recovery package to support businesses in Kent and Sussex amid significant water supply disruptions. This appeal comes in light of a recent boil water warning affecting 24,000 homes in the region, which has raised serious concerns about water safety and access.

The Eurovision Song Contest is facing its most significant crisis as several countries, including Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, have announced a boycott of the 2026 event due to Israel's participation. This decision follows ongoing geopolitical tensions and calls for Israel's exclusion related to the conflict in Gaza.