Dates

Former One Direction member cancelled US shows after recent hospitalization for an unspecified illnessZayn Malik, the musician formerly in One Direction, has cancelled all US dates for his upcoming tour following hospitalization for an unspecified illness.Malik wrote in an Instagram story: “To my fans: Thank you so much for all the support and love you’ve shown me on the album release and more importantly your love, prayers, and well wishes for my health. I’ve felt it, and it’s meant the world. I’ve been at home recovering and I’m doing well and will be better and stronger than before.” Continue reading...

Lambeth council candidates Saiqa Ali and Sabine Mairey understood to have been detained over social media postsTwo women standing as Green party candidates in the local elections have been arrested over alleged antisemitic social media posts.The women, running in seats for Lambeth council, south London, were arrested by the Metropolitan police on Thursday morning. Continue reading...

The government has announced £25m to increase security for Jewish communitiesMorning. The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said she understands the fears faced by the Jewish community in the UK as the government announced extra funding to boost police patrols and protections around synagogues, schools and community centres.Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she was pressed on comments made by the chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, that people in the UK who are visibly Jewish are no longer safe, after two Jewish men were stabbed in an attack in Golders Green in north-west London. Continue reading...

Man arrested after two people were attacked in north London, Jewish neighbourhood watch group Shomrim has saidThe latest incident comes after a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in north London.In a post on social media the Jewish charity the Community Security Trust said:There has been a knife attack today in Golders Green. The suspect has been arrested. We would like to thank @shomrimlondon, @Hatzola and @metpoliceuk for their swift response.We are working closely with the police and urge anyone with information to contact the police, Shomrim and CST immediately.We are aware of a reported stabbing incident in Golders Green, with two injured. The police have apprehended a suspect. We are liaising with the CST, government and police to understand what has happened and ensure a forceful response.It is deeply concerning to everyone in this house.There is now a police investigation, and I think we all need to do everything we can to support that investigation and be absolutely clear in our determination to deal with any of these offences, the like of which we have seen too much recently.The antisemitic attack in Golders Green is utterly appalling.Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain. Thank you to Shomrim, Hatzola and the police for acting swiftly. Continue reading...

• Google Cloud Next 2026 concluded with more than 250 announcements on products, customers, and ecosystem developments focused on AI and enterprise tools. • Key security features include Agent Anomaly Detection using LLMs to flag unusual AI agent behavior in real time and Chrome Enterprise's AI-aware extension threat detections now in preview. • Chrome Enterprise will soon offer shadow AI reporting to identify unsanctioned web-based AI and SaaS use by employees, enhancing visibility into shadow AI risks.

Hope Not Hate campaign identifies election hopefuls calling for a ‘white Britain’ and complaining of ‘kowtowing to the black community’A Reform UK candidate who called for a “white Britain” and said Keir Starmer should be shot is among a number of contenders fuelling doubts about the party’s claim to have tightened up its vetting.The past comments of Linda McFarlane and other political hopefuls have been unearthed ahead of the 7 May elections, including one who complained about “constant kowtowing to the black community” and others who endorsed the far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Continue reading...

Six candidates clashed over homelessness and cost of living crisis in first debate since Eric Swalwell’s exit – with a clear frontrunner still yet to emergeSix candidates vying to become the next governor of California sparred on Wednesday in the first debate since the already topsy-turvy race was plunged into upheaval by the sudden collapse of former congressman Eric Swalwell’s campaign after sexual assault and misconduct allegations.With a clear frontrunner still yet to emerge, the unusually wide-open race to replace the outgoing governor Gavin Newsom in the heavily Democratic state has left nearly a quarter of voters undecided ahead of the 2 June primary. Continue reading...

Disclosures come after firm tightened rules on insider trading, including candidates betting on own campaignsBefore he announced his Senate candidacy, a political hopeful in Virginia did something not so unusual in this day and age: he logged on to a prediction market exchange and wagered money that he would run. Then he ran. Then he bet on that too.The candidate and trader was Mark Moran, a former FBoy Island contestant who went viral recently for his campaign launch video. Investigators with Kalshi, the federally regulated prediction market exchange, found he placed two trades on their platform, the first in a market asking which individuals would seek public office in 2026, the second after he formally entered the race. Continue reading...

• Lakers secured a 2-0 series lead against the Houston Rockets in NBA playoffs, receiving more good news on team health amid the victory. • Updates on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves emerged ahead of Game 2, boosting LA's momentum in the Western Conference matchup. • This strengthens Lakers' position as they aim to advance deeper in the postseason.

Labour calls on Nigel Farage to sack candidates and says his party’s checks ‘clearly not fit for purpose’Reform UK’s checks on candidates are “clearly not fit for purpose”, Labour has said after two more candidates in May’s local elections were accused of making offensive or potentially racist social media posts.Meanwhile, it emerged that Restore Britain, the party set up by the MP Rupert Lowe after he left Reform, appeared to have accepted a donation from someone who has called publicly on social media for “another Hitler” to come to power. Continue reading...

• Taylor Swift announced a 53-date North American tour beginning in March 2027, with tickets going on sale April 20, 2026 through her official fan club and Ticketmaster. • The "Eras Tour: North American Leg" will visit 28 cities across the United States and Canada, with nightly production featuring elaborate stage designs and costume changes. • Industry analysts project the tour could generate over $2 billion in revenue, making it one of the highest-grossing concert tours of all time.

• At age 80, Cher announced her "Final Farewell Tour," featuring 120 dates across North America and international venues spanning 2027 through 2029. • The tour will celebrate Cher's 60-year career with a multimedia production featuring her iconic performances, unreleased footage, and special guest appearances. • Ticket sales begin April 24, 2026, with Cher stating this represents her definitive goodbye to touring, though she plans to continue recording music.

• The Weeknd announced a massive 75-date world stadium tour spanning North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia, beginning September 2026. • Ticket pre-sales for North American dates begin April 19, 2026, with general sales starting April 25 through Live Nation's ticketing platform. • The tour supports his upcoming fifth studio album "Midnight Requiem," expected to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in May.

Some fear a fragmented field of hopefuls from Labour, the Conservatives, Greens, Reform and Independents could leave city ungovernablePaul Tilsley was 23 when he was first elected for the Liberal party in Birmingham’s 1968 council elections. At the time, the UK had an unpopular Labour government facing an economic crisis, tensions around immigration and US pressure to back military action abroad.Such a backdrop may seem familiar, but this May, the all-out local elections in Birmingham could not be more different. Tilsley, now a Lib Dem, faces a fragmented field with candidates from Labour, the Conservatives, Greens, Reform and Independents all competing for his seat and no party expected to win an overall majority at the council. Continue reading...

Changes follow concern that original code created a legal minefield for organisations implementing itThe equalities watchdog has updated its guidance on how to implement the supreme court ruling on gender after the government requested changes to the original proposals submitted last year.In a statement, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said that after “feedback” from the government, as well as consultation responses and extra legal advice, it had made changes to what is officially known as the code of practice. Continue reading...

Inquiry heard evidence about state involvement with Axel Rudakubana, who killed three young girls at a dance workshop in summer 2024Chairman Adrian Fulford, who will publish his report at midday, said the obligation was to provide answers to victims and their families.Concluding the hearings in November, he said:Our principal responsibility lies to them, to provide the best possible explanation as to why and how this terrible event occurred, and to be brave about suggesting the changes that ought to be made to prevent, if we can, a repetition.Sitting through the extensive list of failings exposed during the first phase of the inquiry provoked an understandably complex mix of emotions for our clients, who battle the daily consequences of survivors’ guilt.We hope the report will expose every entity that failed to act in time to prevent this catastrophic attack, and any agencies that are found to be at fault are committed to not just learning lessons but demonstrating, publicly, that they are committed to taking every step to prevent such an atrocity from happening again.There is no regulatory mechanism to ensure that recommendations are properly considered and acted upon at the end of an inquiry, which is why we are strongly urging the chair to implement a process to monitor the progress of all recommendations and provide evidence to support them, as happened at the Manchester Arena Inquiry.Since that harrowing day, our clients’ thoughts have remained with the bereaved and will remain so today. Continue reading...

Guardian journalist among those to get surprise request, though Farage denies party are ‘begging’ people to standUK politics live – latest updatesReform UK has been cold calling people asking them to become “paper” candidates for the party at the local elections, as parties dash to sign up enough names before Thursday’s deadline.Nigel Farage’s party has been ringing members of the public asking them to stand despite apparently knowing very little about them except that they have signed up for Reform’s email updates. Continue reading...

The party, whose parliamentary leader is Jeremy Corbyn, will back 250 candidates, focusing on urban areasYour Party is to focus its local election efforts on a number of urban areas with large Muslim populations where Labour support has weakened, throwing its support behind supporting independent candidates and community groups.Party insiders have intentionally narrowed their focus to key targets including the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge, where locally rooted independent campaigns are already braced to challenge Labour. Continue reading...

Follow latest updates, including how to watch the launch, as four astronauts prepare to set off on a 685,000-mile journey with millions watchingA two-hour launch window for Artemis II opens at 6.24pm EST (11.24pm BST) after an almost four-hour fueling process. Nasa’s final weather briefing on Tuesday reported an 80% chance of favorable conditions for launch.Mission managers will be watching closely data from launchpad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center, as well as real-time and forecast weather information. Any last-minute technical issue or weather violation can cause a scrubbed launch attempt, or a delay, right up to T-0 (the moment the countdown clock reaches zero). Continue reading...

• Brookings Institution updated its regulatory tracker on March 31, 2026, monitoring new, delayed, repealed rules, guidance, policy revocations, and executive actions in the second Trump term. • Rules tracked are current as of March 30, 2026, providing a curated view of deregulatory efforts across agencies. • The tracker highlights significant shifts in federal oversight, influencing policy implementation and compliance.

• County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHR&R) refreshed data in March 2026 for 34 measures covering physical/mental health, clinical care, housing, and more, including poor or fair health, preventable hospital stays, and uninsured rates. • No typical annual data release will occur in 2026; users access updates via 2025 county/state snapshots, with the website active through December 2026. • A webinar on March 31, 2026, explains changes and supports community health efforts.

Porepunkah fugitive, 56, had been on the run after killing two police officers in Australian alpine region in AugustFull story: Dezi Freeman shot dead by policeGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWayne Gatt, secretary of the Police Association Victoria, issued a statement a little earlier confirming the man fatally shot was Dezi Freeman.He said:Our members said they would find him. They did.Closure isn’t the right word. This represents a step forward for our members, for the families of our fallen members and for the community. It doesn’t lessen the trauma, give back the futures that were callously stolen or lessen the collective fear and grief that this tragic event has instilled in police and the wider public.They have worked tirelessly. During the emergency, in the operation that followed and the months thereafter, members across the state have devoted themselves to this singular pursuit. Days like today offer a sobering reminder that policing happens while you sleep, when the media spotlight on an investigation dims and when everything seems lost and forgotten.RIP Vadim and Neal. Today, we remember you. Continue reading...

More than 3,000 No Kings events scheduled in cities and towns in third set of protests since Trump re-electionWhat to know about the third No Kings protests happening in MarchGood morning. Today our US politics blog will cover the third No Kings march as millions of people are expected to protest against the Trump administration at more than 3,000 events across the United States.A flagship event will be held in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, where massive anti-ICE demonstrations broke out earlier this year after federal agents killed two residents. Continue reading...

Research suggests hunter-gatherers were feeding dogs and giving them ritual burials as early as the last ice ageThey are humankind’s best friend, and now ancient DNA analysis has revealed that the enduring bond between dogs and humans dates back more than 15,000 years.The groundbreaking research, published in the journal Nature, pushes back the oldest genetic evidence for domestic dogs by 5,000 years, revealing that hunter-gatherers were feeding the animals and giving them ritual burials long before the emergence of agriculture. Continue reading...

• KFF published an update on March 24, 2026, to its tracker monitoring bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) under the US America First Global Health Strategy launched September 18, 2025. • These five-year plans (2026-2030) with partner countries aim to transition from US aid to domestic health spending, with implementation starting later in 2026. • The tracker, based on State Department releases and MOU documents, tracks signed agreements to build resilient health systems globally while affecting US policy.

About 40 people taken to hospital after Air Canada Express crash, some with serious injuries Pilot and co-pilot killed after Air Canada jet collision at LaGuardia New YorkSign up for the Breaking News US email On Monday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for arrivals and departures at Newark international airport after reports of a burning smell promoted a tower evacuation.The incident happened around 7.30am ET and the burning smell came from an elevator, the FAA said. The ground stop is in effect until about 8.30am, causing delays to flights at another major New York area airport. Continue reading...

CCTV showed three people setting light to an ambulance in Golders Green in the early hours of Monday morningAn attack on four Jewish community ambulances was aimed at making British Jews “be less visible” and “fear going about” their lives, Wes Streeting said as he pledged extra health support.Speaking at the scene of the attack in north London, the health secretary said:The aim of these attackers is clear. They want Jewish people in this country to live smaller lives, to live less Jewish lives, to be less visible as Jewish people, to fear going about Jewish life.I know that the Jewish community will not be cowed by this despicable act of evil, but it is the responsibility of the rest of us not to be bystanders.Every decent person in this country needs to stand up and speak up against this vile antisemitic hatred.This is a horrific antisemitic attack. And of course my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with those in the vicinity, the residents who are understandably very concerned, the Jewish community across the country deeply concerned.I’ve already been in touch with community leaders this morning and will continue to do so during the day. Continue reading...

• The Trump administration launched investigations on March 19, 2026, into 13 states requiring health insurance to cover abortion, citing violations of the Weldon Amendment. • Targeted states include California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, most with Democratic governors. • HHS Civil Rights Director Paula M. Stannard stated the probes address states' disregard for protections allowing health entities to opt out of abortion coverage on conscience grounds.

Evanston mayor Daniel Biss and Cook County commissioner Donna Miller were among those who came out on top in the elections ahead of the midtermsDemocratic voters in Illinois handed the party’s nominations for five open seats in the House of Representatives to candidates that included Evanston mayor Daniel Biss and Cook County commissioner Donna Miller, after heated and at times bitter campaigns that saw significant spending by outside groups, most controversially the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac).The primaries acted as a test of the style of politics voters were looking for ahead of the midterm elections in November, when Democrats hope to regain control of Congress. All five districts are heavily Democratic, making the primary victors favorites to triumph in the general elections. Continue reading...