A teenage boy held at Feltham Young Offenders' Institute in west London died in hospital after being taken there from the prison. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate the death.
Key Facts
The boy was held at Feltham Young Offenders' Institute, which houses children aged 15 to 18.
He was taken to hospital after the London Ambulance Service was called to the prison for an "unwell child."
The ambulance crew included paramedics, an advanced paramedic, and an incident response officer.
The boy died in hospital on Monday, April 20.
The Youth Custody Service expressed sadness and sent condolences to the family and friends.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate the circumstances of the death.
The Metropolitan Police were contacted but no further details were given.
Feltham Young Offenders' Institute holds young people who are on remand or convicted.
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Some British Indians are increasingly supporting the Reform UK party and its leader Nigel Farage. They see similarities between Farage and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially in focusing on policies that favor the majority population and limiting immigration rights.
Key Facts
Savitha Prakash, a British Indian NHS doctor in London, supports Nigel Farage and chairs Reform UK’s branch in Harrow.
Prakash compares Farage to Modi, saying both prioritize the majority’s needs over minority appeasement.
Research by the 1928 Institute shows British Indian support for Reform UK rose from 4% in 2024 to 13% in 2025.
Prakash immigrated from India in 2003, became a British citizen, and now leads 55 Reform UK candidates in local elections on May 7.
Harrow has a large British Asian population and is a Conservative stronghold; its MP has strong ties to Modi and received a high Indian honor.
Prakash criticizes the Conservative party’s failure to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda as planned.
Reform UK wants to end indefinite leave to remain (ILR), requiring migrants to reapply for visas every five years with tougher rules.
Prakash supports stricter immigration controls and argues against viewing work visas as stepping stones to citizenship.
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House Republicans led a mid-decade redistricting effort, starting in Texas at President Trump's request, to protect and increase their seats. However, Democratic responses in states like California and Virginia have put Republican seats at risk, causing some GOP members to regret the strategy and call for limits on redistricting.
Key Facts
Republicans began mid-cycle redistricting in Texas to create more GOP seats and avoid a Democratic House majority.
Democrats in California and Virginia responded with new maps that reduced Republican seats, with California possibly cutting GOP seats from five to one.
Some Republican lawmakers now say the redistricting battle has backfired and created more problems than benefits.
California Rep. Kevin Kiley, an independent who still works with Republicans, regrets the aggressive redistricting and wants to ban mid-cycle redistricting.
Virginia's Supreme Court is reviewing efforts to overturn the recent redistricting approved by voters, but changes won't be easy.
Florida lawmakers may redraw districts to add GOP seats, but some Republicans worry about making districts vulnerable or losing Latino voter support.
Republicans are concerned that ambitious redistricting could hurt their chances in some areas due to demographic changes and voter shifts.
The outcome of these maps will influence control of the House in an election that also features key national issues like the economy and foreign policy.
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The Trump administration held a meeting with landowners in west Texas encouraging them to cooperate with border wall construction, warning that the wall will be built with or without their agreement. The administration is fast-tracking the project by offering payments for land access and using legal measures if necessary, causing frustration among local residents and ranchers.
Key Facts
The Trump administration wants to finish the border wall in west Texas by December 2027.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has sent landowners letters with offers between $1,000 and $5,000 for initial access to their land.
Landowners have three options, all of which ultimately allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to use their land for construction.
Environmental and cultural waivers were approved to speed up construction in the Big Bend sector of Texas.
Construction companies plan to house hundreds of workers locally and begin work in June, despite the rainy season and flood risks.
Officials told landowners that if they do not respond or cooperate, the government will move forward anyway.
Some landowners expressed frustration about inaccurate property information and the government's approach.
The government offers to pay fair market value after construction is complete if landowners sign a "Right of Entry for Construction" form.
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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recently reduced his harsh rhetoric against vaccines and reversed false claims about the measles vaccine. However, the Trump administration still allows vaccine skepticism in government and limits scientists’ voices, even as vaccine confidence and childhood vaccination rates decline.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held congressional hearings about his department’s vaccine policies.
Kennedy softened his language and corrected false claims about the measles vaccine.
Polls show most Americans do not trust Kennedy on vaccines.
The Trump administration has reduced aggressive anti-vaccine rhetoric but still supports vaccine skeptics in government roles.
The federal advisory committee on vaccines was disbanded by Kennedy and replaced with vaccine skeptics.
Fewer routine vaccines were recommended by HHS under Kennedy’s direction.
The 2024-2025 flu season was deadliest since 2009, with many deaths among unvaccinated children.
Measles cases hit the highest level in decades, mainly among unvaccinated children.
A Massachusetts judge blocked many HHS changes to the childhood vaccine schedule because of illegal appointments of anti-vaccine members.
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Billionaire Tom Steyer is currently the favorite to win the California governor’s race after the first debate that took place following Eric Swalwell’s exit. The primary election is scheduled for June 2, and the top two candidates, regardless of party, will move on to the November general election.
Key Facts
The debate featured six leading candidates for California governor, including four Democrats and two Republicans.
Eric Swalwell, a strong candidate, left the race after sexual assault allegations he denies.
California’s election system puts all candidates on one ballot, with the top two vote-getters going to the general election.
Polymarket odds put Steyer as the frontrunner with a 36% chance of winning, followed by Xavier Becerra at 31%, and Matt Mahan at 9%.
There is concern among Democrats that dividing votes among many candidates could allow two Republicans to advance, excluding Democrats from the general election.
Betty Yee, another Democrat, suspended her campaign recently.
Candidates discussed issues like housing, wildfire insurance, social media, and gas taxes during the debate.
Steyer responded to criticism about his past investments and highlighted his efforts to tax billionaires and fight corporate power.
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Laura Loomer lost a defamation lawsuit against Bill Maher and HBO after Maher joked that she might be in a sexual relationship with President Donald Trump. A judge ruled that Maher's comments were a joke and not a statement of fact, meaning Loomer could not prove defamation.
Key Facts
Laura Loomer sued Bill Maher and HBO for defamation over a joke Maher made on his show in September 2024.
Maher joked that Loomer "might be" in a sexual relationship with President Trump.
U.S. District Judge James Moody Jr. ruled the comments were not factual statements but comedy.
The judge said Loomer did not prove "actual malice," a legal requirement for defamation.
Loomer had said she knew Trump well and had traveled with him multiple times.
Loomer criticized the ruling as unfair and misogynistic, saying the joke caused her harm.
Loomer said the ruling also disrespected President Trump and his wife Melania.
Loomer plans to appeal the decision and possibly take it to higher courts.
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A heavy snowstorm is expected to bring up to 20 inches of snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures to parts of the western United States. The worst conditions will impact mountainous areas in Montana and Wyoming, causing dangerous travel and possible road closures through Friday.
Key Facts
Up to 20 inches of snow and winds up to 70 mph are forecast in parts of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, California, and Utah.
Montana mountain ranges like Absaroka, Beartooth, and Crazy Mountains could see 10 to 18 inches of snow with very strong winds.
Eastern Montana near Glacier National Park may get up to 8 inches of snow in higher areas.
Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains and Yellowstone National Park areas expect snow between 1 and 18 inches along with strong winds.
The Teton Mountains in Wyoming could see up to 20 inches of snow and winds reaching 50 mph.
Idaho mountainous areas above 6,500 feet may receive up to 10 inches of snow with winds around 45 mph.
Freezing temperatures near 30-31°F are expected in parts of California through Thursday morning.
Officials warn of hazardous driving conditions, road closures, and disruptions to infrastructure because of the storm.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating in Utah dropped below 50% in April, especially among religious voters who have traditionally supported him. This decline followed controversial social media posts by Trump and reflects growing concern about his tone and some policies in this religiously conservative state.
Key Facts
A poll of 815 Utah voters in April showed 44% approved and 54% disapproved of Trump’s job performance.
In March, Trump’s approval rating in Utah was 51%, showing a quick shift in opinion within one month.
Approval among Christian voters in Utah fell from 63% in March to 51% in April.
Among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), approval dropped 9 points to 54%, with disapproval rising to 43%.
The poll was conducted after Trump posted a message with strong language on Easter and an AI-generated image portraying himself as Jesus, which may have upset religious voters.
Utah voters consider both a politician’s policies and tone, especially when religion is involved.
Utah voters are generally patient but may lose support if they feel respect for religious values is lacking.
Nationally, Christian voters’ approval of Trump slightly increased, showing this change is specific to Utah.
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Two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul, voted against a Senate budget plan that aims to help reopen the Department of Homeland Security after a two-month shutdown. Their opposition is unusual because most of their party supported the budget resolution.
Key Facts
Senators Murkowski (Alaska) and Paul (Kentucky) voted against the budget resolution.
The resolution could end the two-month shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
Murkowski is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Most other Republican senators voted in favor of the budget plan.
The budget vote took place on a Thursday morning.
The resolution sets the stage for future budget decisions related to Homeland Security funding.
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President Donald Trump recently read a passage from the Bible urging people to repent their “wicked ways” as part of a public event called America Reads the Bible. This move appears aimed at reinforcing his support among evangelical Christians, a key voting group that strongly backs him, even as other religious groups like Catholics show less support.
Key Facts
President Trump read from 2 Chronicles 7:14, a Bible verse calling for repentance and healing.
The reading was part of a week-long public Bible reading event organized by Christians Engaged, led by Bunni Pounds.
Evangelical Christians strongly support President Trump, partly because of his Supreme Court appointments that restrict abortion rights.
Catholics, another large Christian group, seem to be losing support for Trump, with some polls showing support dipping below 50%.
The event featured other Trump supporters like Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
President Trump previously shared an AI-generated image portraying himself as a Jesus-like figure healing the sick.
Evangelicals lack a central religious authority like the pope, which may contribute to their solid political support for Trump.
The Bible reading event blends political messaging with religious themes to mobilize evangelical voters.
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More than 18,000 vehicles in the UK are being used without proper records of where their owners live, which makes it hard to hold drivers responsible for offenses. The problem involves untraceable number plates, including cloned and ghost plates, and critics say the rules for registering plates are too weak.
Key Facts
Over 18,000 vehicles are registered to the DVLA’s own address, meaning the actual owner’s location is unknown.
Labour MP Sarah Coombes says this creates “ghost owners” who cannot be held accountable for illegal driving.
Many vehicles without an address are owned by car traders, but the real problem might be bigger.
Between 10% and 20% of requests for vehicle ownership data to the DVLA return no results due to issues like cloned or ghost plates.
More than 34,000 official number plate suppliers exist, with no background checks needed to register as a supplier for a £40 fee.
Over 130 registered suppliers admitted they could sell cloned plates, according to a government investigation last year.
Ghost plates use reflective coatings to avoid detection by police cameras, helping criminals evade penalties.
The DVLA has not fined anyone in five years for failing to update their address on driving records.
The UK Department for Transport plans to introduce tougher penalties and stricter checks to address illegal number plates.
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Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Australian soldier charged with murder related to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, was planning to leave Australia before his arrest at Sydney airport. Court documents reveal he explored business opportunities overseas and booked a flight out of Australia, raising concerns among investigators about his willingness to face trial.
Key Facts
Ben Roberts-Smith is charged with five counts of murder linked to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.
He allegedly killed unarmed, handcuffed civilians under Australian military custody.
Roberts-Smith denies all allegations and plans to clear his name.
He had booked a business class flight abroad and was arrested at Sydney airport before leaving.
Court documents show he investigated buying businesses in Spain, Thailand, and traveled to Myanmar for work opportunities.
Investigators worry he may try to avoid trial or interfere with witnesses and evidence.
Evidence includes witness statements, some with multiple eyewitnesses per charge, and images of deceased victims.
Roberts-Smith traveled overseas 28 times since 2018 when allegations first appeared.
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Senate Republicans approved a budget resolution after voting late into the night. This resolution will allow Congress to vote next month on a plan to fund immigration enforcement and reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
Key Facts
The Senate vote happened during a late-night session and ended shortly after 3:30 a.m.
The budget resolution passed by a close vote of 50 to 48.
The resolution sets up a budget reconciliation process for upcoming legislation.
The legislation will focus on immigration enforcement funding.
It also aims to reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
Budget reconciliation is a process that allows certain budget-related bills to pass with a simple majority in the Senate.
This step moves the budget plan forward to a full congressional vote next month.
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Three Republican senators voted for a change proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders that aims to lower prescription drug prices. The plan would require drug prices in the U.S. to be no higher than those in Europe or Canada.
Key Facts
The amendment was supported by Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont.
It aims to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for Americans.
The proposal would set a limit so that U.S. drug prices cannot exceed those charged in Europe or Canada.
Three Republican senators voted in favor of this amendment.
Two Republicans who voted yes are Susan Collins from Maine and Dan Sullivan from Alaska.
These two senators are considered to be in risky political positions.
The vote took place early on Thursday morning.
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Many schools in England have reduced support for children with special educational needs because of long-term financial problems. School leaders warn that cuts will likely continue, even though the government wants to improve support for these children.
Key Facts
40% of school leaders in England have cut support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
71% of school leaders reduced teaching assistants in the past year.
49% cut other support staff, and 81% expect more cuts ahead.
SEND cuts are worse in primary schools (45%) than in secondary schools (25%).
Many schools have also reduced subject choices, IT equipment, trips, and extracurricular activities.
86% of school leaders say the pupil premium (extra money for disadvantaged children) is not enough.
Despite more overall funding, many schools use this extra money to cover other budget gaps.
Experts say cuts make it hard for schools to meet government goals to better support SEND pupils.
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The Pentagon announced that John Phelan, the US Secretary of the Navy, has left his job immediately. This change is part of a larger series of removals of top military leaders under President Donald Trump while the US remains involved in an unresolved conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
John Phelan left his post as US Secretary of the Navy without a public explanation.
Phelan’s departure follows the recent removal of other top military officers, including Army General Randy George.
President Donald Trump has been replacing many senior military leaders since returning to office in early 2025.
Notably, General Charles “CQ” Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was fired by the president in February 2025.
Other dismissed officials include leaders from the Navy, Coast Guard, National Security Agency, Air Force, NATO, and military legal teams.
The Pentagon has reduced the number of top generals and admirals as part of these changes.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the president is choosing preferred military leaders, but some lawmakers worry this could politicize the military.
Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve as acting Navy Secretary following Phelan’s exit.
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Four Republican senators opposed an amendment to include parts of the SAVE America Act in a budget bill that could pass with a simple majority vote in the Senate. The amendment was proposed by Senator John Kennedy to have the Senate Rules Committee find a way to add the act to the budget package expected next month.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) sponsored the amendment.
The amendment aimed to include the main parts of the SAVE America Act in a budget reconciliation package.
Budget reconciliation allows certain bills to pass with a simple majority (51 votes) instead of the usual 60.
Four Republican senators voted against this amendment.
Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) were among those who voted no.
The decision affects how the budget package will be formed and what laws it might include.
The budget package is planned to be voted on next month.
The Senate Rules Committee would be responsible for figuring out how to add the act if the amendment passed.
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Queensland police found a fault in their standard-issue Glock handguns that might cause the gun to fire multiple shots at once. They are retesting all the Glocks and will remove any that do not meet safety standards to protect officers and the public.
Key Facts
Queensland police use 40-calibre Glock handguns as their standard sidearm since the 1990s.
A fault was discovered during routine testing that could cause multiple shots to fire unintentionally.
Police are retesting all service-issued Glocks across all regions and divisions.
No incidents related to this fault have been reported so far.
Guns that pass testing will be returned to use; those that fail will be removed from service.
Queensland police also use Tasers and some officers are trained with rifles.
Earlier this year, police recalled holsters for the new Taser 10 due to a different safety defect.
The police are working with Glock suppliers to fix the handgun issue.
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President Donald Trump is facing declining support in the United States amid a war with Iran, rising fuel prices, and a worsening cost of living crisis. Some prominent Republicans, like former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, have publicly expressed regret for supporting him.
Key Facts
President Trump started a war with Iran, which is causing global and domestic problems.
His approval ratings are in the mid-30% range, similar to levels after the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Rising fuel prices, now around $4 per gallon, have increased costs for many Americans.
The Energy Secretary said gas prices might not return to $3 per gallon until next year.
Many Americans are more concerned about rising costs than the casualties in Iran.
Trump promised to reduce the cost of living but has not delivered significant results since his election.
Tucker Carlson, a major Republican media figure, apologized for backing Trump in 2024, expressing regret and "torment" over his support.
Some observers believe Carlson may be preparing to run for president in 2028.
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