For generations, we took social skills for granted. Parents just assumed that, through regular interaction with adults and peers at school and at home, their children would learn how to interact and communicate with others, encompassing everything from empathy and active listening to conflict resolution.
But then came the digital age.
Now, parents and experts alike have noticed that technology may be affecting these critical interpersonal tools and behaviours, with Gen Z and Gen Alpha demonstrating fewer social skills than their predecessors.
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Even adults might need reminders of these useful social skills. But you can give kids a head start by practicing early on.
“I absolutely see a drop-off in kids’ social skills, and phones and social media are a big part of it,” observed JJ Kelly, a licensed clinical psychologist known as the “Punk Rock Doc.”
The issue here is that technology acts as a barrier — instead of a gateway — to better communication. It’s all too tempting for kids (and adults! I’m just as guilty of this behaviour) to hide behind a screen and say (or not say) what they want because the screens serve as a shield from the real world.
Parenting and life coach Randi Crawford believes that phones and other digital devices “replaced the practice of living IRL.” There was a time when kids would figure things out in real time, she says, through awkward conversations, reading the room, making friends, making mistakes and making adjustments. But now, kids and adults alike can “curate everything behind a screen.”
The downside to this behaviour, according to Kelly, is that technology “has taken away infinite numbers of daily opportunities to practice bravery in real life.”
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This includes basic skills like making eye contact, navigating awkward moments, resolving conflict or saying something vulnerable in person. Instead of embracing opportunities for healthy conflict resolution, kids online resort to passive aggression, ghosting and public shaming. Kelly calls this “normalised hiding,” in which, instead of working through discomfort, she says, kids are “retreating behind a screen.”
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Kids aren’t getting worse. They’re just, very simply, getting fewer chances to practice being brave humans.
– JJ Kelly, licensed clinical psychologist known as the “Punk Rock Doc.”
But it’s in discomfort that important social growth happens. “Social skills are built in discomfort,” said Crawford. “It’s not fun, but that’s how we learn.” So while it may feel safer to talk via text or social media, face-to-face interactions are still essential for developing communication skills.
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Rest assured that this problem is solvable. “Kids aren’t getting worse,” Kelly emphasised. “They’re just, very simply, getting fewer chances to practice being brave humans.”
In-person social skills may feel like a relic from the 20th century, but in the right context, they can empower our 21st-century children.
These slightly uncomfortable conversations can have long-term positive effects.
Once you’ve established digital device boundaries with your kids and have provided a welcoming, safe space for them, it’s time to get down to business.
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Kelly Gonderman, a licensed clinical psychologist and the clinical director at We Conquer Together in Orange County, California, suggests having the following five conversations as a family. Not only will these talks teach kids fundamental social skills, but they’ll help them become more well-rounded, empathetic adults.
How To End A Conversation
Wait, who needs to learn how to end a conversation? Young people raised on texting and online chats, that’s who. “Screens have made this [skill] invisible,” observed Gonderman. “You just stop responding, and kids are bringing that habit into face-to-face interactions where it reads as rude or dismissive.”
Why is this skill important? “It’s one of the most underrated social skills because it signals to the other person that the interaction had a natural arc — a beginning, a middle and an end,” said Gonderman. “Without it, people are left wondering where they stand.”
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How can learning this skill empower kids today? “Kids who can end conversations gracefully feel less socially anxious,” said Gonderman. “They’re not trapped in interactions they don’t want to be in and they’re not accidentally leaving people feeling dismissed or confused.”
How can parents approach this subject with their kids? By modelling how to end a conversation themselves. Something like, “‘It was really good to talk to you, I’m going to go check on something,’ suggested Gonderman. “The goal isn’t a perfect exit line, it’s just some kind of signal that the conversation is wrapping up.”
How can they practice these skills at home? Dinnertime chats are a good place to start. “At the end of a family conversation, have your kid practice closing it,” Gonderman said. “‘That was a great talk, I’m going to go do homework now.’ It sounds silly, but doing it in a low-stakes environment makes it automatic in a higher-stakes one.”
How To Disagree Without An Audience
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Trolling. Flame wars. Call it what you will, but “social media rewards public callouts,” Gonderman said. It may sound weird to us olds, but do your kids even know how to disagree with someone without turning it into a public forum? “Real life requires the ability to tell someone directly that something bothered you, without performing it for anyone else,” said Gonderman.
Why is this skill important?Because, according to Gonderman,“social media has turned disagreement into a performance.” Unfortunately, “the real skill, telling someone directly that something bothered you, is being lost. That skill is what keeps relationships intact long term.”
How can learning this skill empower kids today? “A kid who can say, ‘Hey, that hurt my feelings’ one on one, without needing a group to back them up, is going to have fundamentally healthier friendships and eventually healthier adult relationships,” Gonderman said.
How can parents approach this subject with their kids? Gonderman advised parents to model disagreement in front of their kids: “Let your kid see you address something with your partner or a friend directly instead of venting to someone else,” she said. “They’re watching everything.”
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How can they practice these skills at home? Gonderman suggested engaging in role-play: “‘Pretend I said something that bothered you. What would you say to me?’ The more they practice saying it out loud in a safe context, the less terrifying it feels in real life.”
How To Be With Someone Who’s Upset – Without Fixing It
Not only is this a critical skill for kids to learn, but many adults could also benefit from this type of empathy lesson. “A lot of kids default to jokes or distraction when a friend is struggling because sitting with discomfort is a skill nobody taught them,” said Gonderman.
Why is this skill important? According to Gonderman, most conflict in adult relationships comes down to one person feeling unheard: “The ability to sit with someone in discomfort without immediately trying to solve it is one of the highest-value emotional skills a person can have. And almost nobody teaches it explicitly.”
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How can learning this skill empower kids today? “A kid who can just be present with a friend who’s upset is going to be the person everyone trusts,” said Gonderman. “That kind of friendship is rare, and kids who offer it are valued deeply.”
How can parents approach this subject with their kids? Demonstrating curiosity instead of assumption is the key here: Parents can ask their kids, “Do you want me to help you figure it out, or do you just want to vent?” Gonderman says, “That single question does more than almost anything else.” But then make sure to do what they ask; don’t offer help if they just want to vent.
How can they practice these skills at home?Snag a moment when emotions are small, advised Gonderman. “When your kid is mildly frustrated about something, resist the urge to fix it immediately. Just say, ‘That sounds really frustrating.’ Let it sit. You’re modelling that feelings don’t need to be solved, just acknowledged.”
Phones absolutely play a role in kids’ underdeveloped social skills.
How To Be A Good Witness When Something’s Wrong
Whether it’s watching a peer being bullied or someone having problems at home, Gonderman confirms that “the bystander problem is real.” Kids may know what the right thing is, but they don’t know how to get involved without complicating the situation.
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Why is this skill important? Learning how to be a good witness allows you to be a force for change. “Bystanders aren’t bad people; they’re unprepared people,” Gonderman said. “Kids genuinely don’t know how to step in without making things worse, so they don’t step in at all. Teaching them what to actually do changes that.”
How can learning this skill empower kids today? “A kid who knows how to be a good witness has more confidence, more self-respect and stronger relationships,” said Gonderman. “Acting in line with your values feels good. Watching something wrong happen and doing nothing does not.”
How can parents approach this subject with their kids? Gonderman recommended debriefing the actual scenarios that come up with your kids: “When your kid mentions something that happened at school, ask what they did, what they wish they’d done and what they might do next time. No judgment, just reflection.”
How can they practice these skills at home?As with the other conversations, Gonderman advised working through specific scenarios. That means not staying in the abstract: Instead of asking your kids what they would do if someone was being bullied, try this: “What would you say if you saw someone sitting alone at lunch being made fun of by the table next to them?” It’s the specificity that makes it real.
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How To Lose Well
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with participation trophies, Gonderman has observed that kids aren’t learning necessary sportsmanship skills anymore: “Competition, disappointment, not getting what they wanted, these are things kids used to learn through constant low-stakes repetition,” she said. “Less of that is happening now.”
Why is this skill important?Losing well teaches emotional regulation and resilience, explained Gonderman. “A kid who falls apart every time they don’t win is going to struggle with disappointment their whole life, because life involves a lot of it.”
How can learning this skill empower kids today?Gonderman calls this skill a social asset, as much as an emotional one: “Knowing how to lose gracefully makes a kid someone others actually want to play with, compete against, and eventually work with.”
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How can parents approach this subject with their kids? “Don’t rush past the feeling,” said Gonderman. “Let them be disappointed for a minute. Then, when the heat is off, talk about what was hard about it and what they’d do differently. Skipping straight to ‘You’ll do better next time’ teaches them to skip the feeling too.”
How can they practice these skills at home?Gonderman suggested playing games at home where someone has to lose, like board games and card games, anything with a clear winner. “Make losing a regular, normal, low-stakes occurrence so it stops feeling catastrophic when it happens out in the world.”
Straight talk: Awkward conversations are worth the momentary discomfort.
As a mother myself, I appreciate that there are many things we can learn from our children. At the same time, that doesn’t mean we should completely abandon our roles as parents – even if it means voluntarily sitting in the discomfort with our kids.
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Nobody likes this part of the parenting job, and I get why avoidance is so appealing, but Kelly also reminded readers that “courage very rarely backfires.”
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Overcoming the awkward and leaning into these necessary conversations can set both you and your kids up for success for years to come.
Lean into that fear, because it’s a signal that deep down, you know these conversations are the right thing:
“If there is anything you’re afraid to talk to your kid about,” advised Kelly, “it probably means you need to talk to your kid about it — even if they scoff or are awkward, they will remember the conversation and your ability to have it.”
Sometimes, kids need to put the devices away and have a good, old-fashioned chat with their cringe parents. They may not understand the purpose right away, but what’s more important than anything is that you start the discussion.
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What can parents do to help get their kids’ social skills back on track?
Before sitting down to have these important — and occasionally uncomfortable — conversations with your kids about social skills, parents need to take two fundamental steps:
Reassess the role phones/devices play in your child’s universe.
“If you want your kids’ social skills to get back on track, you have to be willing to set real boundaries around technology,” said Kelly. That can mean putting off getting them their own phones for as long as possible, and introducing apps slowly, “like a privilege that’s earned over time, not a right.”
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She also reiterated the importance of parental controls — not as a means of surveillance, but to keep your children safe.
Reassess how you respond when your child brings conflict home.
You can be a safe, empathetic space for your child when they’re dealing with something tough. “That’s where the gold is,” said Kelly. “They’re trusting you.” If your kids can trust you, that’s how they build courage.
She advises parents to start with validation, like, “That sounds really hard.” From there, ask your child whether they want you to listen or help problem-solve.
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“When parents keep the conversation open, instead of dismissing it, kids learn to effectively navigate conflict, align with their personal values, and treat others the way they want to be treated,” said Kelly.
But, as of Monday, May 4, Royal Mail has said there are “no deliveries or collections” today. Due to the Early May Bank Holiday, there will be no postal service.
Royal Mail said: “There will be no deliveries or collections of mail on Monday, 4 May.” Over the weekend, its service ran as usual on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday Parcel deliveries took place yesterday.
It added: “We deliver and collect your mail on most days of the year, including Saturdays. However, we don’t usually deliver or collect on public or local holidays.”
The delay to mail is in place across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland today. Normal service will resume from Tuesday, May 5.
Royal Mail has faced criticism over late deliveries and its owner faced questions from MPs. Daniel Kretinsky previously told MPs: “Of course I am deeply sorry for any letters that arrive late.”
Speaking to the Commons Business select committee, Mr Kretinsky added: “It is not perfect, but it is not catastrophic.”
The changes will mean it will axe Saturday Second Class deliveries and move to alternate weekdays – three days one week, and two days the next.
Royal Mail said the changes and planned investment will see it improve First Class Next Day delivery to around 85% within nine months of the reforms being brought in, before reaching the 90% target set by regulator Ofcom within a year.
The firm also vowed to deliver 93% of Second Class letters within three days over the course of nine months, and to hit the 95% target by May next year.
Royal Mail was fined £21 million by Ofcom in October for missing targets after it delivered 77% of First Class post and 92.5% of Second Class post on time in 2024-25.
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From April 1, Ofcom lowered the delivery targets for First Class post to be delivered the next day from 93% to 90% and Second Class to be delivered within three days from 98.5% to 95%.
Alistair Cochrane, chief executive of Royal Mail, said: “We recognise our service hasn’t always been the standard our customers rightly expect and we’re determined to do better.
“The plan we’ve set out today shows how we’ll make a step change in performance across the UK, backed by £500 million of investment over the next five years.”
Kardashian also posted a number of photos of her in the outfit she wore in 2025, a custom, all-black two-piece set by Chrome Hearts, which featured a croc-embossed leather corset top with a matching skirt and train, paired with a black leather “witch hunter” hat, which covered most of her face.
Trump claimed to ‘hold all the cards’ – not knowing that means defeat (Picture: AP)
Donald Trump shared a photo of himself holding all of the wild cards in UNO, claiming ‘he holds all the cards’ – not knowing that means you lose the game.
Posting the image on Truth Social, it appeared to be a nod to the failing talks with Iran, in which Trump has said he’s in control.
The fallout from the UNO photo was swift, with many pointing out that having all the cards in the game means you actually lose.
‘He doesn’t even understand the game or how to play, but he still always poses with props and proclaims himself a winner,’ one user said.
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Another joked: ‘He has every hand except a Strait.’
The ongoing discussions about Iran are focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane over which Iran has control, and Trump wants to control.
The image has gone viral for all the wrong reasons (Picture: Truth Social)
The image is the latest AI-generated slop Trump has shared on his Truth Social platform.
Ahead of his planned renovation of the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pools, Trump shared an AI photo of himself and his cabinet lounging in the waters.
Floating in a golden inflatable chair, the President is giving a thumbs up to the camera as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio smile.
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Also in the mocked-up photo is Interior Secretary Doug Burgham and an unidentified woman wearing a gingham bikini.
The image appears to be a reference to Trump’s ongoing renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting pools.
‘This work was supposed to be done by the Biden Administration, but Sleepy Joe doesn’t know what ‘CLEAN’ or proper maintenance is — The President and Secretary do,’ Trump said.
Ahead of America’s 250th anniversary this summer, Trump is planning an ‘Arc de Trump’, a fighting match on the White House lawn and more.
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The United States of America is marking 250 years since it declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.
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And this year’s celebrations will be very different from the bicentennial in 1976, which saw freedom trains, cultural programmes and a massive fireworks display outside the White House.
Manchester United’s 3-2 win against Liverpool put them six points clear of the soon-to-be former Premier League champions, sparking a debate over who’ll next win the title
Jamie Carragher has dismissed Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League title in the next two seasons, telling Gary Neville not to be ‘kidded’ by their form under Michael Carrick.
Reflecting on the two teams’ contrasting fortunes, Neville suggested that United aren’t far away from winning their first title since 2013 – despite not having a permanent manager in place. “There’s a couple of real unknowns; the managers and which club is going to recruit the best this summer,” the ex-United captain began on his Sky Sports podcast.
“Both are going to sign three or four. But how much money do the clubs have to spend money on recruitment? I do think the league could be up for grabs over the next couple of years and I think Manchester United could be in a position to exploit that.
“At some point, Pep [Guardiola] has to leave [Manchester City]. And I don’t think the other big clubs aren’t quite right. There is a league title up to grabs over the next one to two years.”
Carragher, on the other hand, believes that United are in a ‘false economy’, having played far less fixtures than Liverpool this season – something that’ll change next term after they qualified for the Champions League. “I still think Liverpool are better-placed and the reason I say that is we’ve seen Man United’s best team out there today,” the Anfield legend said.
“Liverpool are three of four short there. They also have the players who have won before in terms of the biggest trophies. I don’t think either of them will be there in terms of the title next season. I still think it will be Arsenal or Manchester City.
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Who’s closer to winning the Premier League – Manchester United or Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section.
“There’s a false economy with Manchester United when they haven’t played any European football and they went out in the first round of both cup competitions. Now that can fool you.
“Man United will finish third this season but I don’t think for a minute believe they’re the third-best team in the Premier League. I still think Liverpool are in a better position in terms of the squad when the injured players get back and having those players that have won trophies before.”
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Their row resumed when they entered the Sky studio at Old Trafford – although it ended with a gentlemanly handshake. Neville continued: “(Liverpool) have to build a new team that won’t have won the titles that they’ve won before. Liverpool’s recruitment is gonna have to be good – and it has been good in the past – and the manager’s gonna have to settle down next season.”
Raising his arms as Carragher attempted to respond, Neville added: “Do you know something? We’ve beat them twice this season, we’ve finished above them in the league and he’s still sat there saying, ‘Liverpool are better’! What more can United do?”
An exacerbated Carragher then replied: “Don’t get kidded about United finishing third, you’ve had no European (football), no cup competitions. You’ve done really well this season in terms of where you’ve ended up, but don’t get kidded by it!
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“How can you say you think Manchester United in the next year or two could win the league title? You haven’t even got a manager yet, you’ve got players there who’ve never played three games in a week. The things that’ve got to come over the next year or two… Your best player (Bruno Fernandes) will be 33!”
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How many American troops are in Europe and where are they?
The United States had approximately 68,000 active-duty military personnel assigned permanently in its overseas bases in Europe as of December 2025, data from the US Defence Manpower Data Centre (DMDC) shows. These do not include rotational forces sent on deployment and exercise missions.
The U.S. military is spread over 31 permanent bases and a further 19 military sites to which the Department of Defence has access as of March 2024, a Congress report shows.
Shweta Sharma4 May 2026 08:30
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In photos: Keir Starmer, Macron and top leaders arrive for key EU summit in Armenia
The European Political Community summit in Yerevan opened on Monday with leaders from across Europe to discuss security, defence, and political cooperation at a time of heightened tensions driven by the war in Ukraine.
The forum – created after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – offers a platform for EU and non-EU countries to coordinate responses on key issues such as military support for Kyiv, energy security, and regional stability.
Attendees included Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, Poland’s premier Donald Tusk, Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store, Nato chief Mark Rutte, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and vice president Kaja Kallas, and European Council president Antonio Costa.
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During the summit, the UK will announce that it is entering talks to join the European Union’s €90bn (£78bn) loan scheme for Ukraine.
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, the first leader of a non-European country to attend the EPC, also participated.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives for the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenia, Monday (AP)
France’s President Emmanuel Macron arrives to attend the 8th European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan (AFP/Getty)
Participants include Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Council President Antonio Cost (AFP/Getty)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand attend the 8th European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan (AFP/Getty)
Shweta Sharma4 May 2026 08:15
Russia says it rejects US citizenship imposed on Russian diplomats’ children
Russia will not recognise US citizenship granted to children of its diplomats born in the United States, insisting they remain under Russian jurisdiction, the foreign ministry said.
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Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the ministry, said that Moscow will demand case-by-case confirmation from Washington that such children are exempt from US jurisdiction and retain full diplomatic immunity under international conventions.
“The Russian side does not recognize the imposition of US citizenship on Russian citizens born into the families of our diplomatic, administrative-technical, and consular personnel in the United States,” she wrote in an article for Vedomosti, a Russian-language business daily newspaper.
It comes as a new bill in America aims to ensure that being born on US soil no longer guarantees an American passport unless your parents are already elite permanent residents.
Shweta Sharma4 May 2026 08:00
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Joining EU’s loan for Ukraine will boost UK jobs and ties with bloc, Starmer says
Keir Starmer has said joining the European Union’s €90bn (£78bn) loan scheme for Ukraine would be “very good” for UK–EU ties and for job creation in Britain, as he prepares to formally announce the UK’s bid at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.
Speaking on arrival, Starmer said participation would boost Ukraine’s military capability in the fifth year of the war, while also supporting jobs in the UK and strengthening relations with the EU ahead of further negotiations.
He is set to co-chair a Ukraine-focused meeting with France, urging closer coordination to ensure Kyiv receives the military equipment it needs to continue resisting Russia.
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Downing Street also confirmed that the UK will unveil fresh sanctions on Russian companies later this week to disrupt military supply chains.
Speaking to the media as he arrived at the European Political Community (EPC) summit, he said: “In relation to the EU loan that we are discussing participating in, that is very good for Ukraine, because it will give Ukraine capability that is desperately needs in year five of this conflict.
(AP)
“It’s very good for the UK, because of the capability that leads to jobs in the United Kingdom.
“And it’s very good for UK-EU relations, which is very important as we go on to the various discussions.”
Shweta Sharma4 May 2026 07:24
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Picture show damage to Moscow building
Images emerging from Moscow show visible damage after a drone strike, offering a rare glimpse into the impact of the war inside the Russian capital.
Photos and social media footage capture debris hanging from the upper floors of a residential building on Mosfilmovskaya Street, with sections of the façade torn open and rubble scattered across the ground below.
Emergency personnel can be seen working at the site, cordoning off the area and assessing the damage.
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The strike, reportedly carried out by Ukraine, appears to have hit a high-rise apartment block in one of Moscow’s more upscale districts, not far from diplomatic residences.
(AP)
Debris dangles from a damaged apartment building on Mosfilmovskaya street after a Ukrainian drone attack in Moscow (AP)
A building which was struck by a drone, amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Moscow, Russia, in this screegrab obtained from a social media video released on May 4, 2026. (Reuters)
Emergency personnel work near the debris of a building which was struck by a drone, amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict (Reuters)
Shweta Sharma4 May 2026 06:30
Sir Keir Starmer meets Zelensky as he pledges more support to Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky said he met British prime minister Keir Starmer and thanked King Charles for his “strong words” on the defence of Ukraine during his state visit to the US.
Meeting Mr Starmer in Armenia, he said: “Best regards and thanks to His Majesty for strong words in the United States supporting our people.”
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Zelensky said he appreciates all the steps the United Kingdom has taken to support our people and weaken the aggressor, including efforts to counter Russia’s shadow fleet.
Britain will begin talks to join the EU’s Ukraine loan scheme, the UK government said.
Starmer is expected to announce the move at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, signalling closer UK–EU coordination on military support for Kyiv. The EU-approved loan will cover about two-thirds of Ukraine’s needs over the next two years, largely for defence.
Shweta Sharma4 May 2026 06:30
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IAEA says a drone targeted Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant’s external radiation control laboratory
The Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Sunday that a drone had targeted its external radiation control laboratory.
There were no reported injuries and it was not yet known if the strike damaged the lab, which is located outside the nuclear power plant’s perimeter, according to the IAEA.
An IAEA team at the site has requested access to the lab, Director General Rafael Grossi said, reiterating that any attacks near nuclear sites can pose nuclear safety risks.
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Shweta Sharma4 May 2026 06:22
Moscow building attack could be one deepest Ukrainian strike inside Russia
The Ukrainian attack on a luxury apartment building could be one of the deepest strikes into central Moscow.
The drone strike inside a residential complex in the Russian capital happened about 7km from Red Square. The targeted tower is located in an upscale district near embassies and diplomatic residences.
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Videos on social media appear to show a low-flying drone heading towards Moscow shortly before 1am, with residents reporting loud explosions soon after.
Images suggest damage to the upper floors of the Mosfilm Tower, a luxury high-rise west of the city centre, with drone debris scattered on the street as emergency crews responded.
Ukraine has yet to confirm the drone strike.
A building which was struck by a drone, amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Moscow, Russia, in this screegrab obtained from a social media video released on May 4, 2026. (Reuters)
Debris dangles from a damaged apartment building on Mosfilmovskaya street after a Ukrainian drone attack in Moscow (AP)
Shweta Sharma4 May 2026 06:08
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Ukrainian drones hit Russia’s Primorsk port, oil tankers and military ships
Ukraine launched a volley of missiles and drone strikes across Russia, striking the Baltic Sea port of Primorsk and three ships allegedly being used to transport Russian crude.
The strike caused a fire at Primorsk, a major oil-exporting outlet, the Russian regional governor confirmed.
Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the northwest region which hosts the port, said more than 60 drones were downed overnight. He said the fire at Primorsk was quickly extinguished and there had been no oil spill following the attack.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes had caused significant damage to the oil terminal port.
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They also hit an oil tanker, a small Russian Karakurt-class missile ship and a patrol boat in the Baltic Sea, he said on Telegram.
“Each such result further limits Russia’s war potential,” he wrote.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said global oil prices may rise further if Ukraine continues to hit Russia’s oil infrastructure, Russian TV reported.
Shweta Sharma4 May 2026 06:00
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Drone hits building in Moscow, mayor says
A drone has struck a building in Moscow, mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Monday, adding there were no casualties.
The drone hit the Mosfilm Tower, a luxury residential building located west of the city’s centre.
Photos appeared to show damage to the upper floor of the high-rise apartment building as the emergency crews arrived on the scene.
John Turton said he watched his son Dan struggle with alcohol and drug abuse since he was a teenager and his family were forgotten by society.
But he added his son was now turning his life around thanks to the York In Recovery organisation.
The father and York In Recovery director’s comments came at an event marking City of York Council’s commitment to become an Inclusive Recovery City.
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The commitment involves working to tackle stigma and supporting people who are struggling with addiction at work, in education and in their communities.
Representatives from more than 150 businesses, organisations and local authorities came together to hear from people who had experienced addiction and organisations trying to help them.
Council health spokesperson Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw and public health lead Peter Roderick signed a charter which commits the authority to align its policies towards those aims.
The event, at the LNER Community Stadium on Wednesday, April 29, also saw the exhibiting of the Stitch Away The Stigma tapestry featuring messages from people who have experienced addiction.
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York In Recovery Director Mr Turton said his 45-year-old son fell into addiction from the age of 13.
He added he had been recovering for three years.
Mr Turton said: “He was addicted to alcohol, drugs, anything he could get his hands on, it was very difficult to live with.
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“We were lost as a family, no one wanted to help us and we were stigmatised.
“Now our life is filled with hope and joy now, it’s a long way from where we were in the past.
“Addiction is an illness and society should start to recognise that, people suffer from the stigma society puts them through.
“Families should be helped as well because they’re totally ignored, no one’s there to educate us and help us understand what addiction’s all about.
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“We’ve got to support people after the detox and after rehab, because when people come out of treatment that’s only the beginning.
“My son’s very stable now, York In Recovery helped him find other things to do and he’s working with refugees on a cookery programme and helping other addicts on their journey because he understands what it’s like.”
City of York Council Health Executive Member Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw (left) and Public Health Director Peter Roderick (right) signing the Inclusive Recovery City charter (Image: City of York Council)
Mark Green, also a director of York in Recovery and manager of York Community Hub, said the perception that addicts were bad people had to change.
Mr Green, who also previously struggled with addiction, said: “There’s always trauma and pain, this is the start of the work that needs to happen.
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“There’s this phrase- death from dismay, a few weeks ago we attended a friend’s funeral and my other friend and I tried every trick in my book to but my book wasn’t big enough.
“The recovery and treatment system is all needed and essential but it’s never enough, it pains me to think our friend passed away and won’t even be recognised or acknowledged by the data.
“Stigma and that sense of shame used to hurt me too, we’ve got to double down and fight it for other people so their journeys are easier.”
Peter Roderick, the council’s public health director, said the voice of those struggling with and recovering from addiction needed to be heard.
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The public health director said: “It’s not been an easy journey to get to where we are now, we need to make sure the stigma people face is challenged and pushed back on.
“The whole city needs to come on this journey and visibility is so important, if we don’t make recovery visible the stigma will continue.”
Cllr Steels-Walshaw said honesty was needed about the work that needed to be done.
The executive member said: “For more than 20 years I worked in drug and alcohol services and I sat with people who were trying to rebuild their lives.
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“Stigma is alive in our city, I’ve lost count of the amount of people I’ve known and cared deeply for who had so much potential but were met with shame rather than support.
“The opposite of addiction is being involved in your community, people facing addiction challenges aren’t strangers, they’re our friends, families and colleagues.”
The Cod and Lobster, located on The Harbour at the bottom of Church Street in Staithes, North Yorkshire, is earning high praise from visitors for its “relaxing atmosphere”, fresh seafood, and “hearty pub classics”.
The coastal favourite holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor from more than 2,200 reviews, with diners regularly describing their experience as “delicious”, “friendly,” and “cosy.”
The Cod and Lobster in Staithes (Image: TRIPADVISOR)
One reviewer said: “We just adore the area and this pub. I seem to always have the steak and ale pie, with chips and veg. It’s just so tasty and means I barely need another meal in the day.”
Another visitor said: “Lovely food, great choice of meals on the menu, all at reasonable prices. Steak pie, mash, and peas were lovely. Drinks again at reasonable prices. Staff friendly and attentive.”
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Seafood is naturally a highlight, with several guests praising the “freshness” and “generous portions”.
One reviewer wrote: “We enjoyed a fantastic meal here when we stayed nearby, and the food was incredible. We both enjoyed seafood that was fresh and delicious. A definite if you’re ever nearby.”
Nestled on the harbour front with uninterrupted views across the North Sea, the pub has long been a fixture of Staithes and a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
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Its history is closely tied to the sea, so much so that during particularly wild weather, patrons once had to dodge crashing waves just to enter or exit the building.
A statement on the pub’s website recalls: “A long-established favourite of the village and last defence from the ravages of the North Sea, the pub has felt the wrath of the waves on at least three occasions.
The Cod and Lobster in Staithes (Image: TRIPADVISOR)
“The last in the great storm of 1953, when the front was washed away, and the fishermen looked on in sorrow as the precious bottles of brew bobbed about on the retreating foam.”
The pub opens daily from 9.30am to 10pm, with food served at lunchtime and again in the evening.
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The menu caters to a range of dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
While seafood and traditional pub fare feature prominently, so do lighter bites for those looking for a smaller meal.
The Cod and Lobster also offers a large selection of spirits, including an “extensive gin collection”, and serves tea and coffee from 10am each day.
The Cod and Lobster does not take bookings during the school summer holidays.
Crucially though, Man City tick off the first of their two games in hand tonight and playing twice before Arsenal are next in action means they will return to the summit by beating Everton and then Brentford on Saturday by a combined four-goal margin.
Results over the weekend mean the Toffees begin their penultimate home game of the season in the bottom half of the table but will move to within two points of sixth-placed Bournemouth with a win tonight.
Here’s everything you need to know about where to watch…
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How to watch Everton vs Man City
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage starts at 6.30pm BST on Sky Sports Premier League and then at 7.45pm on Sky Sports Main Event.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Health officials have confirmed one case of the rare virus and are investigating five more suspected cases.
Three passengers have died aboard a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean after a suspected outbreak of hantavirus.
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Health officials have confirmed one case of the rare virus, and five more suspected case are being investigated. A British traveller is one of the five reported to be in intensive care.
According to the World Health Organisation, the infections were detected on the MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.
The global health agency said in a post on X: “To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.”
Here’s all we know about the virus.
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What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus refers to a strain of viruses carried by rodents. It is primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections typically occur when the virus becomes airborne from a rodent’s urine, droppings, or saliva.
It can also spread through rodent bites or scratches, though this is rare – and in exceptional circumstances, it can spread between people and cause severe respiratory illness.
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Have you had hantavirus in the past? Contact reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk if you would like to spread awareness about the symptoms.
The virus can cause two severe illnesses. The first, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), often starts with fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal issues. If respiratory symptoms develop, the mortality rate is approximately 38%, according to the CDC.
The second illness, Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal syndrome (HFRS), is more severe and primarily affects the kidneys. Later symptoms can include low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.
How many cases of Hantavirus are reported globally?
According to a report from the National Institutes of Health, there are an estimated 150,000 cases of HFRS worldwide each year, primarily in Europe and Asia. More than half of the cases typically occur in China.
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The latest data from the US shows that from between 1993, when surveillance of hantavirus began, until 2023, there were 890 cases in the country.
However, Seoul virus – one of the main strains of hantavirus that is carried by Norway rats (also known as the brown rat) – is found worldwide, including in the US.
How is it treated?
While there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections, the CDC recommends supportive care to treat symptoms that could include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, antiviral medications and even dialysis.
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Patients with severe symptoms may need to be admitted to hospitals in intensive care units – and in severe cases, some may need to be intubated. The CDC recommends eliminating contact with rodents in homes or workplaces to reduce exposure to the virus.
The agency also recommends sealing entry points in basements or attics where rodents may enter homes. Wearing protective gear is also suggested when cleaning up rodent droppings to avoid inhaling contaminated air.
Have there been recent hantavirus cases?
Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, died from a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus in February 2025.
Medical investigators believe Arakawa contracted HPS – the most common strain in the US – which led to her death. Nests and some dead rodents were found in outbuildings of her house where she was found.
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Police records showed that Arakawa searched the internet for information about flu and Covid symptoms in the days before she died.
What do we know about the cruise ship cases?
Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for South Africa’s health ministry, confirmed at least two people had died onboard the vessel, which the Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions operates.
The ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20, according to the company’s published itinerary, due to arrive in Cape Verde on Monday, May 4. A 69-year-old British man was evacuated to Johannesburg during the trip as passengers showed signs of the virus, and is currently receiving treatment in intensive care.
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South African authorities confirmed the first person to show symptoms was a 70-year-old passenger who died on board. His body has since been transferred to the island of Saint Helena.
The man’s 69-year-old wife also became ill during the journey and was evacuated to South Africa, where she later died in a Johannesburg hospital. The ship measures 107.6m (353ft) in length and can carry up to 170 passengers across 80 cabins, according to Oceanwide Expeditions
The WHO said it is assisting with coordination between member states and the ship’s operator, including the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, a full public health risk assessment, and support for those still on board.
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The NFU-led survey found that 85 per cent of respondents in Durham, Cumbria and North Yorkshire opposed the return of the birds, mainly due to concerns about livestock welfare and the future of upland farming.
Abigail Teward, NFU environment adviser, said: “It is extremely concerning that 58 per cent of farmers who completed the survey were unaware of the project at all.
“This is particularly worrying given that a longstanding NFU position is that any reintroduction programme must involve early, meaningful and transparent consultation from organisations with the farming community.”
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White-tailed eagles, one of Europe’s largest birds of prey, have already been reintroduced in Scotland and other parts of the UK.
However, the NFU survey revealed that a majority of farmers believe their reintroduction in Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Durham would pose significant risks to sheep farming, which underpins local economies and cultural heritage.
Farmers warned that without robust evidence, properly funded mitigation measures, and clear long‑term management plans, the costs and consequences of reintroduction would fall disproportionately on them.
Abigail Teward said: “With 85 per cent of respondents opposing reintroduction, farmers are clearly telling us they are deeply concerned about what this would mean for their animals, their livelihoods and the future of upland farming in Cumbria.
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“These concerns are grounded in evidence gained from feedback from farmers in Scotland where white-tailed eagles have been reintroduced and other parts of the UK and should not be dismissed.
“Any decision must fully recognise the risks farmers believe they will be asked to shoulder.”
William Maughan, NFU North regional board chair, said: “Farmers are not opposed to nature recovery, but it must work alongside productive agriculture, not undermine it.
“The survey shows serious reservations about how livestock welfare would be protected and who would bear the long‑term responsibility if problems arise.
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“Farmers fear that without clear evidence, properly funded mitigation, and a credible long‑term plan, reintroduction would leave them bearing the costs and consequences.”
A further concern was the practical challenge of managing sheep across large and remote upland areas, where close monitoring is often not feasible.
The NFU said the survey findings will inform ongoing discussions with conservation organisations and policymakers.
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