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Covid Inquiry Chair Defends £200m Cost and Four-Year Duration on Final Day

Baroness Heather Hallett defends the UK Covid inquiry's £200m cost and nearly four-year duration, highlighting its broad scope and forthcoming reports.

3 min read

New National Tests in Reading, Maths, and Science for Northern Ireland Pupils

Northern Ireland will introduce new online national tests in reading, maths, and science for primary and year 10 pupils, aiming to support progress tracking without creating school league tables.

2 min read

Getty Images A young boy writing on a piece of paper, he has dark blonde hair and is wearing a navy polo shirt.

West Dunbartonshire Council Warns of Bankruptcy Amid 7.8% Tax Hike

West Dunbartonshire Council warns of potential bankruptcy amid a 7.8% tax rise and £9.2m deficit. South Ayrshire also approves an 8% tax increase to address funding gaps for 2026–27.

3 min read

Google A large sandstone council building, with Union Jack and Saltire flags flying above it

Diesel Spill Near Killin Not Linked to Theft Attempt, Investigation Continues

A diesel spill near Killin disrupted water supplies but is no longer linked to theft. Authorities continue investigating while Certas Energy offers compensation.

3 min read

Google A fuel forecourt with a white and blue canopy propped up in the centre by six diagonal supports. There is a building with a sign saying Fill up & Drive to the right and a green hill in the background.

Prince William Celebrates St Piran's Day and Supports Cornwall Communities

Prince William visited Cornwall on St Piran's Day, making pasties at Gear Farm and meeting emergency teams aiding storm-affected communities.

2 min read

PA Media Prince William is holding a pasty. He is wearing a brown jacket and a blue apron.

Friend Describes Stephen McCullagh's Distress After Natalie McNally's Death

A friend of Stephen McCullagh testified about his distress after Natalie McNally's death. McCullagh denies her murder; Natalie was 15 weeks pregnant. The friend detailed calls, McCullagh's behavior, and their relationship, providing insight into events before and after the tragedy.

4 min read

Pacemaker Natalie McNally. She has long blonde hair and is wearing a long khaki coat and standing on a beach.

PSNI Chief Says 50-50 Recruitment Not Needed Currently but Remains Open to It

PSNI Chief Jon Boutcher says 50-50 Catholic/non-Catholic recruitment is not needed now but remains open to it amid lowest Catholic applicant rates and calls from Sinn Féin and SDLP. He also rejects a public inquiry into journalist surveillance.

3 min read

PA Media Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher is speaking into a microphone. He is sitting in front of a large blue poster which has the words 'Northern Ireland Policing Board' on it. He is wearing a white shirt which has police badges on both shoulders and also a black tie.

1,000 Pheasants to Be Culled Following Suspected Bird Flu in County Tyrone

A thousand pheasants will be culled after suspected bird flu was found at a County Tyrone farm, the first outbreak in Northern Ireland since November 2025. Restrictions and biosecurity measures are in place to prevent spread.

2 min read

Getty Images A stock image of pheasants standing in a field near a bird feeder.

Britney Spears Arrested in California, Court Date Set for May 4

Britney Spears was arrested by California Highway Patrol on Wednesday night and released early Thursday. She will appear in Ventura County Superior Court on May 4. The arrest reason remains undisclosed.

1 min read

Getty Images Singer Britney Spears arrives at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City.

Stuart Hogg Loses MBE Following Domestic Abuse Guilty Plea

Stuart Hogg, former Scotland rugby captain, has been stripped of his MBE after pleading guilty to a domestic abuse charge and receiving a community payback order.

2 min read

PA Media Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg in a grey zip-up top with a jacket over the top and a purple tie on a white shirt

House to Vote on Limiting Trump’s War Powers in Iran After Senate Defeat

The House prepares to vote on a resolution limiting Trump's war powers in Iran after the Senate's defeat. The conflict escalates with casualties, rising gas prices, and political shifts in the US and abroad.

10 min read

US President Donald Trump pictured in the White House on Wednesday

UK Government's Delayed Rescue Flight Departs Oman with British Nationals

The UK government's first evacuation flight from Oman departs one day late amid Middle East tensions, with thousands of British nationals being repatriated amid ongoing regional conflict.

2 min read