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Donald Trump voted by mail in Florida special election as he bashes mail ballots

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Donald Trump voted by mail in Florida special election as he bashes mail ballots

President Donald Trump has cast another mail ballot in Florida as he continues to publicly bash the voting method as a source of fraud and push Congress to curtail the practice.

Palm Beach County voter records show the president voted by mail in a Tuesday special election for state legislative seats and that his ballot has been counted. Early in-person voting in the contest ran through Sunday, when Trump was still at his south Florida estate.

The White House did not immediately return an Associated Press request for comment. Aides have said Trump’s ire is directed at states using universal mail-in voting, not individual voters who may not be able to get to a polling place.

Nonetheless, Trump has in the last week called mail-in voting “cheating” and “corrupt as hell.” He is urging Congress to pass the SAVE Act, a sweeping bill that would bar universal mail ballots and limit the options to a select few voters — such as those with disabilities, military commitments or who are traveling on Election Day. The measure faces steep odds in the closely divided Senate even with the president’s pressure.

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Trump has fixated on mail ballots since he began falsely claiming that his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden was the result of fraud. Multiple U.S. courts and Trump’s own attorney general have found no evidence of fraud that affected the outcome, despite the COVID-19 pandemic increasing the share of the electorate that cast mail ballots that year.

“We’re the only country in the world that does it that way. Corrupt as hell,” Trump said last week at the White House when hosting Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

Dozens of countries, including European democracies that are traditional U.S. allies, use some form of mail-in voting.

Trump said last week that the SAVE Act was the “biggest thing” pending in Washington, even as Congress and administration grapple with the Iran war and a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.

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Last August, Trump used a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to blast mail voting.

“We’re going to start with an executive order that’s being written right now by the best lawyers in the country to end mail-in ballots because they’re corrupt,” Trump said. “And it’s time that the Republicans get tough and stop it because the Democrats want it. It’s the only way they can get elected.”

The president, who changed his official personal residence and voter registration from New York to Florida during his first term, does not have a standing vote-by-mail request for all elections, according to the county records. That means he has to request a mail ballot for any individual election.

The ballot today includes Florida state House District 87 and Senate District 14.

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Trump offered an endorsement late Monday in the House contest via his Truth Social platform.

“There is a very important Special Election tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24th, for Florida State House District 87 in beautiful Palm Beach County. … TO ALL GREAT PATRIOTS IN FLORIDA STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 87: GET OUT AND VOTE FOR JON MAPLES! Polls are open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.” Trump wrote, without mentioning that he had voted by mail or at all.

The Florida election comes one day after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a Mississippi case questioning whether states can count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but not received until later. Trump has criticized those allowances in 14 states and the District of Columbia.

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Benjamin Sesko’s agent not happy with striker’s nickname at Man United – ‘Don’t like it’

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Manchester Evening News

Benjamin Sesko has been mainly used off the bench by Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick in recent weeks.

Benjamin Sesko’s agent has revealed that he doesn’t ‘like’ the striker being referred to as a ‘super sub’. The Manchester United forward has been a regular off the bench this season, but is now pushing for more starts.

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Sesko has scored 10 goals in all competitions for United this season after his £74 million move from RB Leipzig in the summer. Four of those goals have come after he entered the pitch as a second-half substitute, including winners against Fulham and Everton and a late equaliser vs West Ham.

It’s led to the Slovenia international being labelled as a ‘super sub’ for interim manager Michael Carrick. But the player’s agent Elvis Basanovic would rather his client be given another nickname.

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“If you ask me about this name, I don’t like it. I like ‘super striker’ much more,” he told Arena Sport. “I think Benjamin is a super striker.

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“He has started 13 games this year, coming off the bench in 13 games. He scored half of his goals when he started the game and half when he came off the bench.

“We can see that he is a complete striker and Benjamin is someone who deserves the name ‘super striker.’”

There have been calls for Sesko to be in the starting line-up more often. However, speaking back in February, the forward hinted that he was quite happy with his current role as he continues to settle into Premier League football.

“We are talking, of course, but he [Carrick] believes in me, everyone believes in me,” he said. “They are getting me ready to start as soon as possible. It’s more about me showing up when it’s important, no matter how many minutes I’m getting, I’m focusing on delivering and trying to help the team secure the wins.”

He added: “I’m getting settled in the league from game to game. Again, I’m not even thinking about ‘I have to start, I have to start.’

“For me it’s just whenever coach decides to put me there one time or not I’m just going to be there.

“If I get the next minutes, five minutes, I’m going to use them and for me it’s just about trying to enjoy and delivering for the team.”

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Sesko came off the bench to play the final 19 minutes for United’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday night. It was revealed by the club on Monday that the striker has been managing an injury.

That has led to him pulling out of the Slovenia squad over the international break to aid his recovery. Sesko will hope to be available when United return to action on Monday, 13 April, when they host rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford.

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

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Brits can get a new passport in 4 hours – who is eligible

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Brits can get a new passport in 4 hours - who is eligible

You’ll need the travel document to visit countries outside of the UK, so it’s important you have a valid one before you try to plan a trip.

Booking a trip involves lots of research, packing and organisation, and it’s easy to forget to check your passport is still valid for travel, so if you need one at the last minute – here’s how you can get yours fast.

How long does it take to get an urgent passport?

If you think using the standard passport renewal service will take too long, the government advises paying for the quicker premium service.

It shared how Brits can benefit from the service on X today (March 24).

The online service allows you to book your appointment at a passport office, as well as apply and pay for your new passport.

Appointments can be booked up to three weeks ahead and they last up to 10 minutes.

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If you choose the fast track service, which is another way to get an urgent passport, you should expect it to arrive a week after your appointment.

How much does an urgent passport cost?

An urgent passport application using the premium service costs £222 for a standard adult passport or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller adult passport.

Currently, before passport prices are set to increase in April, a standard adult passport applied for online costs £94.50, while a postal application will set you back £107.

A 54-page frequent traveller adult passport applied for online costs £107.50 while a paper application costs £120.

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Take your old passport to the appointment with you so you can hand it in.

Four hours after your appointment, your new passport will be ready to collect.

The service cannot be used to renew a child’s passport, however, an urgent child’s passport can be applied for through the one week fast track service.


What you need to apply for ETIAS


The government warns: “If you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it yet, do not pay for an urgent passport.

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“You will not get your passport sooner and you will be charged a £32 admin fee for each additional application.”

How is fast track different to a premium urgent passport?

Using the fast track service, you can renew a passport, change personal details on your passport, replace a passport or get a passport for a child.

You can expect to pay £178 for an adult passport (or £191 for the frequent traveller option) and £145 for a child passport (or £158 for a frequent traveller passport).

The government website adds: “The earliest you can get an appointment is the next day after you apply.

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“Your new passport will be delivered to you by courier 1 week after your appointment.”

It’s worth knowing that urgent passports cannot be issued to adults who want to buy their first adult passport.

You will need to be in the UK to apply for an urgent passport.

Can you change or cancel your appointment? See if someone can attend for you

If you have booked an appointment, you can no longer attend, you can either cancel or rearrange it.

Your confirmation email will give instructions on how to change it but if you need to cancel your appointment, you’ll need to do so at least 48 hours before or pay £32.

No refunds will be given if you miss your appointment, and to get a passport, you’ll need to book another and pay again.

The government explained that someone else can attend the appointment for you: “You can ask someone else to go to your appointment for you.

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“They’ll need to bring your application reference number, which starts with ‘PEX’.

“You’ll find this on your confirmation email and in any text messages you get about your appointment.”


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If you used the premium service, the person you nominate will need to make sure they also have your old passport and a letter that is signed and dated by you – it needs to name them and give them permission to collect the new passport for you.

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They will also need a form of ID for themselves, like a passport or driving licence.

If you used the fast track service, the person you nominate to collect your new passport will need your old passport and any documents the service said to bring.

This is in addition to your application reference number starting with ‘PEX’.

Where are you travelling to in 2026? Tell us your plans in the comments below.

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‘Opposing 20mph is putting lives at risk’: senior minister defends the law

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Wales Online

There was a heated exchange over the law in what was one of the the last sitting plenary session before the Senedd elections in May

A senior Welsh Government figure has defended the Welsh Government’s 20mph law in Wales. Julie James told Conservative Tom Giffard that by opposing the law, his party was putting lives at risk.

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She told him: “The idea you want to drive faster at the risk of a child’s life should be something you should be ashamed of”. In a heated exchanged, on the second to last sitting of plenary ahead of the Senedd being dissolved for the election campaigns to begin in earnest ahead of the Welsh election on May 7, the pair clashed over the policy.

Labour introduced the policy which came into force in September 2023.

Deeply unpopular, the party has watered it down since, but it remains the default speed limit. The Conservatives have said they will “reverse Labour’s unnecessary 20mph speed limits” in their manifesto. Labour is yet to publish its manifesto.

Having been criticised for the policy by Mr Giffard, Julie James, the current counsel general but who was climate change minister when the policy was introduced, told him the policy had saved lives.

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“The 20mph shibboleth a policy that has cleaned up our air, saved the lives of children, stopped countless families from suffering the misery of extreme injury and death, has lowered the insurance costs of most people across Wales,” she said. “And saved the NHS a lot of money by any measure, is one you should be embracing.

“Let me tell you this, because the Tories don’t know anything about social justice, 20mph is a real social justice issue. It makes streets safer for women and children, it makes them safer to walk on without you suffering poor air, makes people safer in our cities and towns

“The idea you want to drive faster at the risk of a child’s life should be something you should be ashamed of”.

The final list of parties standing in the election on May 7 will be published in full on April 10.

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Major Ospreys announcement as Swansea Council deal struck and Alun Wyn Jones drafted in

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Wales Online

There has been a significant development in Welsh rugby, with the Ospreys now set to play at St Helen’s next season

Swansea Council and the Ospreys are set to go ahead with new plans to redevelop St Helen’s in time for next season in a dramatic Welsh rugby twist.

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The move comes despite a lack of certainty surrounding the region’s future and months of angry exchanges between Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart and senior Ospreys and Y11 figures.

The redevelopment of St Helen’s had initially been put on hold due to the Welsh Rugby Union’s controversial plans to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to three, with the governing body refusing to give assurances the Ospreys would survive as they look to rubberstamp Y11’s deal to buy Cardiff.

Up until this point the council has refused to release the full funding to redevelop the ground unless the Ospreys’ future is guaranteed, but an unexpected announcement on Tuesday evening has seen them join forces with the Ospreys with new plans to push ahead with work at the iconic ground.

A couple of weeks ago, minutes were released of a meeting between WRU CEO Abi Tierney, Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley and Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, which appeared to show Bradley suggesting the Ospreys would cease to exist as a professional rugby side beyond the end of next season if Y11’s bid to buy Cardiff succeeded. The WRU and Bradley have insisted the claims are inaccurate.

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In a bid to prevent Y11 buying Cardiff, Swansea Council have taken legal action against the WRU while they have formally asked the Competitions and Markets Authority to investigate the deal.

Nevertheless, relations appear to have eased between the council and the club, with long time Ospreys director Rob Davies now conspicuous with his involvement.

The initial plan was for the council to pay for the full development with the Ospreys paying rent, but the club will now invest a significant sum of money themselves to ensure St Helen’s is ready for the 2026/27 season.

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Central to the plans is a new state‑of‑the‑art 4G playing surface, which would be used by the Ospreys for match days and weekly team run‑outs, Swansea RFC and opened to schools, clubs and community groups for the rest of the week.

Under the joint investment model, Swansea Council would fund key community‑focused upgrades including the pitch and floodlights, while the Ospreys would deliver professional‑level enhancements such as a new stand, fan zone and broadcast facilities.

The proposals will be discussed by the council’s cabinet on Wednesday, March 24, and follow positive talks with the Ospreys.

If agreed, works could start in April so that the Ospreys can use the stadium next season.

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A new Swansea Rugby Community Board is also proposed to ensure the redevelopment delivers maximum benefit for local people.

Alun Wyn Jones, the former Ospreys, Wales and British and Irish Lions captain, has agreed to work with the council to ensure the collaboration maximises the benefits for grassroots rugby and the community.

“The future of St Helen’s has been on hold due to ongoing discussions about regional rugby in Wales which are unlikely to end anytime soon,” said Council leader Rob Stewart.

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“The WRU is not giving us the answers we need to move forward despite our requests, such as how Y11 can own two teams for a long period of time. In light of the impending EGM, I doubt the WRU knows where it is going.

“We must break that deadlock in the meantime and find how we can move forward as a city despite the WRU’s lack of answers. We propose to create a new model that strengthens both professional and grassroots rugby across Swansea and the Ospreys region.

“Our joint investment would give the Ospreys a home worthy of professional rugby while opening up this iconic ground to the community like never before.

“This continues our support for the Ospreys remaining as a professional rugby region based in Swansea.”

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Crucially, despite the new agreement, the council’s legal action against the Welsh Rugby Union’s proposed deal for Y11 to buy Cardiff Rugby continues.

If approved, the Ospreys would significantly expand their community programme, offering club nights, school sessions, open training events and coaching development opportunities. Year‑round access would support junior and youth rugby, schools, Swansea RFC and local clubs.

The proposals aims to reconnect the professional and community game in Swansea, boost participation among children and young people, strengthen coach and volunteer development, improve health and wellbeing and create inclusive rugby opportunities for all ages and backgrounds.

“We have been working with Swansea Council for many months on the redevelopment of the iconic St Helen’s ground,” said Ospreys director Rob Davies.

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“We’re delighted that we’ve found a way to not only progress our plans to play back in Swansea from next season, but also to further enhance the work we’ve always done in our community.”

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Plans could see 80 new homes built in Cambridgeshire village

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Cambridgeshire Live

The developers want to “meet the needs of the residents”

A Cambridgeshire village could get 80 new homes if plans go ahead. Martin Grant Land Limited proposes to build up to 80 homes on land at Pendrick Close in Coton, approximately two miles west of Cambridge.

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The plans, submitted by Stantec, on behalf of Martin Grant Land Limited also propose a new public open space as well as a play area. They want to build the homes to help “meet the needs of the residents which would also be of benefit to existing local residents”.

If approved, the development would create over 200 jobs, including apprenticeship opportunities. Local businesses are also expected to benefit from the development.

The application said: “Future residents would also contribute towards local spending to the benefit of business in Cambridge. The site would therefore contribute to expansion of the local economy.”

The outline form does not provide house types at this stage. The developer added: “Future house types will be guided by the existing vernacular in the area to ensure it assimilates into the village.”

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Of the homes, half would be made available as affordable housing, which the plans say would benefit people moving to the area “by offering a varied housing mix”.

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Martin Clunes explains why he took Huw Edwards role

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Martin Clunes explains why he took Huw Edwards role

The 64-year-old plays the disgraced BBC News presenter in Channel 5’s new two-part drama Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards.

Clunes said that one of the main reasons he went for the part was due to the script.

Speaking to the Radio Times, he shared: “The script is always the most important thing and I thought it was really powerful and compelling – it’s always good when drama tackles difficult stories, especially when it does so as intelligently as this project.

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“Beyond the salacious curiosity around this story, I really thought there was another story worth telling, that of ‘Ryan’ and his family.

“Obviously the press and the media have focused on the fallen big man, Huw Edwards, which, of course, is a big story.

“But behind that, there’s this lad and his family whose lives got turned upside down and rather spoiled.”

The drama is based on interviews with key individuals connected to the case, but not with Edwards himself, who was not involved in the project.

Clunes appears alongside Osian Mrogan, who plays ‘Ryan’ – not his real name – the young man at the centre of the story, who was 17 years old when he came into contact with the broadcaster.

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“I thought he was out of my reach as far as directors go”

Another major factor behind Clunes’ involvement was the opportunity to work with director Martin Samuels.

He said: “I’m also a massive fan of the director, Michael Samuels, and I never thought I’d get to work with him.

“I thought he was out of my reach as far as directors go, so I was really thrilled about the chance to work with him on this.”

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Samuels has been involved with plenty of TV films and series, including Any Human Heart, The Fear, The Windermere Children and Man in an Orange Shirt.

Edwards has since publicly criticised Wonderhood, the production company behind the drama.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, he said: “[They] made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative before going ahead with the production.

“They belatedly asked for a response after the drama had been made, while reserving the right to edit any such response.

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“They also refused to disclose whether any of those making allegations had been paid for their contributions.


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“Channel 5’s ‘factual drama’ is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened.”

The broadcaster has defended the drama, insisting it gives a voice to Edwards’ alleged victim so that “no one who has been silenced feels they are alone”.

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Edwards received a six-month sentence, suspended for two years and was placed on the sex offenders register for seven years in September 2024 after pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.

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Man who broke into Grand Central Station and smashed up doors to be sentenced

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Belfast Live

The accused also pleaded guilty to stealing a jacket and hat, a charge of common assault and both resisting and assaulting police

A 34-year old man is to be sentenced later this week on a range of offences including breaking into Grand Central Station.

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Gary Kenneth James O’Hara appeared at Belfast Crown Court today via a videolink with HMP Maghaberry.

With an address on the court papers as ‘no fixed abode’, O’Hara was arraigned on a total of seven charges dating back to last October.

He was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, breaking into Grand Central Station in Belfast with intent to steal on October 14, 2025.

O’Hara also admitted going equipped for burglary by having a glass safety hammer at Grand Central Station and of causing criminal damage to three glass doors and a glass panel belonging to Translink on the same date.

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In addition, O’Hara entered guilty pleas to breaking into a Translink portacabin and stealing a jacket and hat, a charge of common assault and both resisting and assaulting police on October 14, 2025.

When Judge Patrick Lynch KC asked about a pre-sentence report, solicitor Ciaran Toner said he had spoken to his client who was “keen to advance the matter” before Easter without the report.

The case was listed for plea and sentence this Friday (27th) when O’Hara will be produced in person.

To ensure you don’t miss out on all the latest from Belfast Live, be sure to make us your preferred source on Google

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Moment Russian drone wave hits Lviv destroying UNESCO church | News World

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Moment Russian drone wave hits Lviv destroying UNESCO church | News World
17th-century St Andrew’s Church catches fire in central Lviv(Picture: east2west news)

Vladimir Putin’s spring offensive into Ukraine is underway after a huge barrage of drones struck civilian areas, killing six people including a child.

At least 46 people were injured in the rare daylight attack that struck a UNESCO world heritage site in Lviv, officials said.

It comes as Moscow’s army stepped up efforts to break through Ukrainian frontline defences by firing almost 400 long-range drones at Ukraine overnight in its biggest attack in weeks.

The onslaught continued into Tuesday morning as dozens of drones targeted the capital Kyiv during daylight.

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Russia unleashes daytime drone barrage on western Ukraine, wounding civilians in central Lviv
Russia unleashes daytime drone barrage on western Ukraine, wounding civilians in central Lviv(Picture east2west news)

Russia launched swarms of Iranian-designed Shahed drones, hitting at least seven cities, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said on X.

Daytime strikes injured 13 people, including three children, in the central Ukraine city of Dnipro, and another daylight attack hit an apartment block in the centre of the western city of Lviv, near the Polish border, where 13 people were injured, regional officials said.

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The Lviv attack set fire to the city’s 17th-century St Andrew’s Church, which is part of a Unesco World Heritage Site, prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.

In the central city of Ivano-Frankivsk, the attack damaged maternity hospitals and about 10 apartment buildings, according to Svitlana Onyshchuk, the head of the regional military administration.

Two people were killed and four injured, including a six-year-old child, she said.

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Ukrainian civilians have endured relentless barrages since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbour more than four years ago.

US-brokered talks between Moscow and Kyiv over the past year have brought no respite, with Russia rejecting Ukraine’s offer of a ceasefire, and in recent weeks the Iran war has diverted international attention from Ukraine’s plight.

On the roughly 1,250-kilometre (750-mile) front line snaking along eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the short-handed defenders have been bracing for a new offensive by Russia’s bigger army as the weather improves.

The commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Russian troops in recent days have made simultaneous attempts to break through defensive lines in several strategic areas.

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‘Fierce fighting unfolded along the entire line of contact,’ Gen Syrskyi said on Monday on the Telegram messaging app, with Russia launching 619 attacks in four days.

‘The occupiers are attempting to bring up new units and are preparing to continue attacks’, Gen Syrskyi said, adding that Ukraine had deployed reinforcements to counter the assaults.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, said Gen Syrskyi’s report backed up its assessment that Russia’s spring-summer offensive is now underway.

Russia has escalated its strikes since March 17 and has moved heavy equipment and more troops to the front line, the ISW said late on Monday.

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Each year, as the weather improves, Russia has moved its grinding war of attrition up a gear.

However, it has been unable to capture cities and has made only incremental gains across rural areas.

Russia occupies about 20% of Ukraine.

That includes the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014.

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Ukraine has developed advanced drone technology to make up for its shortage of infantry.

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‘Fantastic’ cottage with hot tub and games room ranked as one of the best stays for 2026

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Wales Online

There’s something special about finding a home-from-home that lets you unwind without the having to travel too far

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If you’re looking to switch up your usual holiday plans, staying in the UK is proving to be just as rewarding as going abroad.

Staying in a Welsh cottage can allow you to experience beautiful coastlines or peaceful countryside escapes, there’s something special about finding a home-from-home that lets you unwind without the having to travel too far. A secluded cottage near coastal areas are quickly becoming some of the most sought-after stays for 2026.

One standout property is Hen Efail, a beautifully presented holiday home tucked away in the village of Talgarreg near New Quay on the West Wales coast. Recognised by Wales Cottage Holidays as one of the best places to stay in 2026, it’s easy to see why this peaceful retreat has become such a popular choice on holidaycottages.co.uk.

Hen Efail is set in a secluded and tranquil location and offers the perfect balance of countryside peace and coastal beauty. Sleeping up to six guests and welcoming two dogs, it’s ideal for families or groups of friends looking to spend quality time together. Despite its quiet location, you’re just a short drive from the stunning West Wales coastline, with charming seaside spots like New Quay within easy reach.

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Hen Efail offers a laid-back, memorable escape that keeps people coming back which is exactly why it’s already proving to be such a popular booking.

The cottage description:

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  • 3 bedrooms – 2 king-size, 1 twin
  • 2 bathrooms – downstairs shower room and WC, family bathroom with bath and separate shower
  • Wood burner (logs provided), underfloor heating on ground floor
  • Smart TV in the living room and TVs in all 3 bedrooms
  • Enclosed patio area with dining furniture and charcoal BBQ, firepit, large lawned garden area
  • Wood-fired hot tub-requires attention to lit and warm up- approximately 1-2 hours to reach temperature
  • Garden games cabin with pool table, table tennis and dartboard
  • Private parking for 4 cars
  • Local pub 0.5 miles, shops and beach 8 miles

One stayer of the Hen Efail has said: “Beautiful house in a beautiful setting. Would definitely recommend a visit. I can only imagine how gorgeous this place would be in the summer months!”

However, one thought: “Lovely peaceful cottage nothing really around, need to drive for amenities shop/ pub ect. Beds so comfortable, cottage very clean. Cottage and gardens beautiful.”

Stayers have spoken highly of their time in the Hen Efail, another said: “A lovely cottage in a fantastic location. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.

For those looking for a romantic getaway for two, Sykes Cottages has awarded the The Kites Nest in Ceredigion the Gold award for ‘Best for Couples’ category in the Sykes Holiday Cottages Gem awards.

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For those willing to travel, the Thompson Rigg Barn in the North York Moors National Park has also been recognised by Sykes Cottages as a great stay for couples.

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The major energy bill change hitting UK households from April 1

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Manchester Evening News

Households across the country will see changes to the costs of their energy bills from April onwards

UK households are set to be hit with changes to their energy bills from next month. Energy regulator Ofgem confirmed that the energy price cap – which determines the maximum amount people can be charged per unit of gas and electricity on a standard tariff – will be reduced by 6.7 per cent for the average household from April.

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A typical household will save £117 a year on their energy bills from April 1, 2026, saving around £10 each month. The price cap will fall to £1,641 a year for dual-fuel customers paying by Direct Debit, making bills 11 per cent, or £208, lower than for the same period in 2025.

The reduction comes after a difficult year for households. Between April and June 2025, the price cap rose to £1,849 a year following a six per cent increase of £111 that affected around 11 million customers on default tariffs.

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The rise was driven by an 11 per cent jump in wholesale energy costs, adding £86 to the average bill. It marked the third consecutive quarterly increase, with bills soaring nine per cent higher than the previous year.

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But while the new price cap will be “welcome relief” for many households, bills remain significantly higher than pre-crisis levels, says Shay Ramani from Free Price Compare, a UK-based comparison service.

“The £117 saving works out at just over £10 a month, which barely scratches the surface for the estimated six million households still in fuel poverty,” Mr Ramani said. “Families should use this window to review their energy usage, consider switching tariffs if better deals emerge, and ensure they’re claiming all available support.”

The April 2026 price drop is partly caused by changes to how environmental and social schemes are funded. The UK government announced this will be done by ending funding for the Energy Company Obligation scheme, as well as removing 75 per cent of costs for the Renewables Obligation scheme from people’s energy bills, saving customers an average of £150.

A further £38 reduction comes from falling global wholesale energy prices, according to Ofgem data.

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Under the new cap, electricity will cost 24.67 pence per kilowatt hour for customers on standard variable tariffs paying by Direct Debit, with a daily standing charge of 57.21 pence. Gas will be charged at 5.74 pence per kilowatt hour, with a standing charge of 29.09 pence per day. These rates represent averages across England, Scotland and Wales, including five per cent VAT.

The reduction will be automatically applied to your bill from 1 April onwards. The exact amount each household saves will depend on how much energy is used and the type of tariff:

Standard variable tariff

For energy used after 1 April, the savings will be applied to your unit rate for gas and electricity. Your energy supplier will contact you to confirm the details of your new rates.

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Fixed price tariff

Suppliers have confirmed that the savings will be passed on in full to customers on fixed price tariffs. This means if you are already on a fixed price tariff on 1 April, your tariff will be amended so that savings are applied to your unit rates going forward.

Your energy supplier will contact you to confirm your new rates. For anyone signing a new fixed price tariff after 1 April, we expect the savings to be taken into account.

Pre-payment meter

If you are on a smart pre-payment meter, your energy supplier will automatically apply the savings to any energy used from 1 April. If you are on a traditional pre-payment meter – such as those which use a key or card, you will benefit from the savings the first time you top up your key or card after 1 April.

Other types of tariffs

Some examples of these include:

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  • Tracker tariffs, where unit costs for gas and electricity fluctuate daily to reflect live wholesale prices
  • Time-of-use tariffs, where the unit cost for electricity changes depending on the time of day, with cheaper rates offered during off-peak times like overnight

Where a tariff includes costs associated with either the Energy Company Obligation or Renewable Obligation schemes, the savings will be passed on from April.

How you receive the savings will depend on the specific tariff you are on. For example, the impact may vary across different times of day or pricing periods.

Your energy supplier will provide you with more information on how these changes will work.

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