The BBC, like Channel 4, is a public service broadcaster – and it too is no stranger to controversy. In the past 12 months, barely a month has gone by when TV crews haven’t been huddled outside Broadcasting House because of various crises, from Scott Mills’ sacking to the Panorama Trump edit. It’s also faced criticism about the handling of its own controversies.

Monday is forecast to be the hottest May day on record with temperatures reaching 33C in south-east England.

There is a small chance of the mercury could peak at 34C.

By surpassing 32.8C, it will break the May temperature record set on the Late May Bank Holiday in 1944.

But take note if you are planning to visit the east coast of England – you may come across some mist.

By Tuesday then across Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures which have been fairly muted for Scotland and Northern Ireland begin to rise. Glasgow could reach the low to mid 20s. Western Northern Ireland could also see the warmth approaching the mid 20s.

The UK weather varies a lot naturally, but this early season heat is consistent with the long-term trend of rising temperatures as a result of human-caused climate change.

What is extraordinary about this heatwave is not only the level of heat but its duration.

The current forecast points to another hot day on Tuesday with highs up to 33C. After a breaking in the heat at midweek, temperatures will rise once again potentially reaching the high 20s or even 30C.

The demonstrators gathered in St Helen’s Square on Saturday afternoon (May 23) before marching through York city centre holding banners and chanting.

Organiser Chris Brace, from the York Palestine Assembly, said the group had gathered because they are “absolutely appalled” at the government for “failing to live up to its international obligations and simply observe a genocide, ethnic cleansing and displacement of people from their own homes in Palestine”.

He accused leaders of allowing international law to “decay”.

Pro-Palestinian activists in York on Saturday (May 23) (Image: Dylan Connell)

Chris Brace, from the York Palestine Assembly, who helped organise the protest in York on Saturday (May 23) (Image: Dylan Connell)

Gaza has seen near-daily Israeli fire with more than 850 people being killed since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect in October, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The ministry is part of Gaza’s Hamas-run government, but staffed by medical professionals who maintain and publish detailed records, viewed as generally reliable by the international community.

The October 7 attacks killed some 1,200 people in Israel and saw more than 250 taken hostage into Gaza.

Israel’s retaliatory strikes have killed more than 72,700 people, according to the Gaza health ministry.

The protest in York on Saturday comes as pro-Palestine campaigners in the UK have said they believe tougher action may be taken to control demonstrations.

It follows concerns about the growing threat to British Jews after the Golders Green stabbing resulted in the UK terror threat being raised to severe.

Professor Mohamed El-Gomati, one of the founders of York Mosque and its spokesperson, marches through York on Saturday (May 23) during the pro-Palestinian demonstration (Image: Dylan Connell)

Pro-Palestinian activists march through York on Saturday (May 23) (Image: Dylan Connell)

However, Professor Mohamed El-Gomati, one of the founders of York Mosque and its spokesperson, said peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstrations must be allowed to continue.

“It’s our freedom of speech,” he said. “It’s our freedom of expression. We have to practice that. And if anybody has done anything wrong, he or she should be tried under the law.

“But we cannot ban peaceful protests like this. Because it’s my freedom, and I’m not doing anything against the laws.”

Pro-Palestinian activists march through York on Saturday (May 23) (Image: Dylan Connell)

Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, speaks during the pro-Palestinian protest in St Helen’s Square on Saturday (May 23) (Image: Dylan Connell)

York Central MP Rachael Maskell was among those who spoke during the demonstration in St Helen’s Square.

The Labour MP called for “unity, not division”, telling the crowd: “It is right that we don’t trade in arms. It is right that we don’t trade in goods. And it is right that instead, we trade in the language of peace and unity – because that is our future.”

Ms Maskell said the response from leaders to the war in the Middle East felt “too slow”, as she urged the government “step up on the international stage” and to “ensure that the United Nations and also the courts are doing their jobs”.

She also said she would be “pressing on the new prime minister, when they come into office, for a fresh approach, a new direction, a new community, a new leadership to take the world by storm and say it doesn’t have to be this way”.

Ms Maskell said she backed Andy Burnham to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister, telling The Press: “I’ve got great hope that [the next prime minister] will be Andy Burnham. We see the unity he has brought across Manchester and I want to see that across our nation.

“Where he is divisions fall – and that really is the hope I have for the country that I want to build, but also to lead on the world stage.”

The James Young High School S2 rugby team won the East Region Schools Rugby Championship recently.

A team of talented rugby stars from a Livingston school are celebrating an outstanding season.

The James Young High School S2 rugby team won the East Region Schools Rugby Championship recently.

The team of talented young players capped off an extraordinary season with a victory over Berwickshire, Preston Lodge and Trinity at Peffermill playing fields in Edinburgh on Finals Day.

The team’s campaign began in October 2025 with a dominant opening round against Leith, Broughton, Musselburgh, and Armadale.

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James Young High School scored an astonishing 240 points while conceding only 15, impressing not only with their rugby ability but also with their sportsmanship and professionalism throughout the tournament.

Promoted for the second round in March 2026, the team continued their remarkable form with victories over Eyemouth, Trinity “A”, and Preston Lodge. Once again, they dominated the scoreboard, scoring 140 points and conceding just 25.

Their success earned them a place at the East Region Schools Rugby Championship Finals Day, where they completed their incredible journey by lifting the title.

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James Young High School headteacher Tricia Gallagher said: “We are hugely proud of our fantastic S2 rugby team for winning the East Region Schools Rugby Championship, less than a year after the squad was formed in September 2025.

“Staff, families, and the wider James Young High School community have praised the players for their talent, teamwork, and dedication, with the squad becoming a source of immense pride for everyone.”

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Improved rainfall, cooler temperatures, and reduced demand have all contributed to the boost, reaching 86.4 per cent, compared to just 66 per cent at the same point in 2025.

Average water usage in May was also down by 80 million litres per day compared to last year.

Andy Shaw, head of water quality and production at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re in a much better position with our water resources in 2026, with reservoir levels at 86.4 per cent, much higher than the 66 per cent they were at this time last year.

“Groundwater and river levels are also healthy in the region, which we rely on for water supplies for parts of the north and east of our region.”

However, with warmer weather expected over the Bank Holiday weekend, the company is reminding customers to use water wisely.

Mr Shaw added: “We’re expecting warmer temperatures in the coming days and would advise all customers to use water wisely, as we urge them to do all year round.

“This includes small measures like using a watering can rather than a hose to water gardens, and if watering is required, to do it in the mornings or evenings to reduce evaporation during higher temperatures in the day.”

Officers have issued a statement after a child was taken to hospital after being hit by a car on Huddersfield Road in Oldham.

Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 12.35pm today (Saturday May 23, 2026), officers responded to reports of an RTC between a car and a child.

“The child has been taken to hospital. The driver of the car remained at the the scene to assist officers.

“No arrests have been made at this stage and investigations are ongoing.”

A Range Rover was left badly damaged and a toddler soaking wet after the vehicle he was in was taken through a car wash. The terrified 18-month-old has since developed a fear of travelling in cars after the ordeal.

The incident happened as Andrew Fenn and his partner Cara Burke were on a day out with their son, Otis. Before departing, the couple took their Range Rover Evoque to the car wash.

Midway through, chaos ensued. Cara, a nurse, said: “During the wash cycle, the machine caused the rear passenger door to open – it appears the rotating rubber brush caught the rear door handle.

“Water was sprayed into the car and onto our toddler, who was sat in the back seat. Andrew was able to twist from the drivers seat to shut the door. Then it happened again – the door was opened and more water was sprayed in.

“We were shocked because you don’t expect a car wash to be capable of doing that, especially with a child sat in the back at the time.

“Next thing, we heard a massive bang. As the machine was behind us, we decided to get out quickly, leaving the wash to continue its cycle. It was pretty scary.”

Outside, the Wrexham couple discovered the SUV’s roof spoiler had been ripped clean off, leaving a gaping hole and exposing the vehicle’s electrics beneath, reports North Wales Live. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

The resulting repair bill came to a staggering £1,800. Tesco stated that follow-up investigations revealed the car wash was functioning properly and a warning notice cautioned against its use by Range Rovers.

Jaguar Land Rover noted it was “common practice” for car manufacturers to recommend customers avoid using commercially operated automatic car washes.

Following the incident at Tesco Wrexham, Andrew, 31, who operates a window film business, requested to speak to the store manager. During the 40-minute wait, his mother turned up to collect Otis.

“He was very distressed,” said Cara, who is eight months pregnant. “It was terrible trying to persuade him to go into her car. It’s been horrendous. He’s slowly getting better but he’s still very upset by the experience.”

A manager indicated he would fill out an incident report and Tesco would make contact. Having heard nothing from the store, Cara said she went back the following day and was given assurances she’d receive a call.

When nothing materialised, she returned a second time and was once more told to expect a phone call.

“Soon after I was rung by a store manager saying the incident hadn’t been recorded properly and could we do it now,” she said. “This was quite concerning considering how serious the damage was.”

Cara, 27, was directed to head office, who informed her the claim had been forwarded to Tesco’s insurers. This week, the couple discovered that Tesco’s claims handlers had declined their claim, asserting the car wash was “fully operational” and that no faults were identified.

The vehicle spent a fortnight in a garage undergoing repairs, and when it was collected this week, the bill amounted to £1,800.

The couple have yet to receive the engineer’s car wash report. Cara said: “With these automatic washes you might expect a few scratches at worst. What you don’t expect is the doors to be opened and part of the roof taken off.”

Tesco apologised for the family’s experience at its Wrexham car wash, as well as their dissatisfaction with the subsequent investigation.

The supermarket giant stated that all claims were assessed individually and that, where deemed necessary, it would arrange both repairs and a hire vehicle. Tesco also put forward independent legal advice as an alternative course of action.

The retailer noted that disclaimer signage advised customers to “consult owner’s manual before using wash”. Furthermore, a notice on in-store payment machines warned Land Rover and Range Rover owners against using the car wash facility.

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This revelation came as a considerable shock to Andrew and Cara, who had been completely unaware that Range Rovers were particularly susceptible to damage in automatic, brush-based car washes.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) was contacted for its response to Tesco’s Range Rover disclaimer. A spokesperson for JLR UK said: “We welcome the opportunity to investigate this incident and are awaiting the appropriate client information and permissions to do so.

“More broadly, and in line with what is standard across the automotive industry, our manufacturer documentation advises that commercially operated automatic car washes are not recommended.

“This guidance is common practice because this type of equipment can cause damage to exterior components. We therefore advise owners to follow the cleaning procedures specified for their model and vehicle specifications.”

Tesco’s car washes are owned and run by Wilcomatic. These facilities are remotely overseen and regularly inspected to confirm they’re functioning properly, the supermarket stated.

Tesco employees also conduct routine inspections, including a trial wash before opening each morning. Should a customer encounter difficulties, Wilcomatic is contacted to perform an assessment.

Cara remains resolute in pursuing the matter, having spoken out to alert other motorists to the possible dangers. She said: “I’m always a bit wary of using these car washes but we’ve never had an issue before. Being pregnant, constantly chasing Tesco for answers was the last thing I needed.

“One thing is for sure – we won’t be using automatic car washes any more. From now on, it’ll all be done by hand!”

Five-year-old Theo Chatham has been an inpatient between two hospitals since he was diagnosed with a rare condition shortly after his birth.

A five-year-old Celtic fan who has spent almost his entire life in hospital was visited by his Hoops heroes days after the team won the Scottish Premiership. Little Theo Chatham was visited by players at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children on Tuesday in what his dad Gary and mum Sarah called an “unforgettable” moment.

Theo has been an inpatient between the hospital and Forth Valley Royal Hospital since he was diagnosed with a rare condition shortly after his birth. At three weeks old, Theo contracted Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) – a serious condition that mainly affects babies that are born premature – where tissue in the bowel becomes inflamed.

Since then, he has undergone more than 200 operations, including 48 life-saving procedures. But the condition led to brain damage, cerebral visual impairment and focal epilepsy.

However, Gary and Sarah now undertaking training via the NHS to learn to attend to Theo’s needs and are finally hoping to get him home to Denny within weeks. Speaking to Glasgow Live, Sarah said: “We’re nearly at the end of our training so hopefully in the next three weeks or so Theo could be discharged and home for the first time in his life.”

Gary added: “It would be lifechanging. We’d be able to start living again and give Theo a bit of freedom.”

Tuesday’s visit by football heroes Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney, Liam Scales, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest was a “day to remember” for die-hard Celtic fan Gary – especially as they took along the league trophy. Gary said: “These types of visits are so special.

“It brightens up the kids’ day and it brings the parents on the ward together. As soon as the lads came in the energy shifted, Theo was so hyper and a buzz was in the air.

“It was a reminder of what football is really all about. There’s no rivalry when it comes to sick children.”

He also said it was “cool” team captain McGregor remembered Theo and the family from previous visits to the hospital. Kirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Celtic for their continued support and for bringing the Scottish Premiership trophy to the children’s hospital yesterday.

“Seeing the players with the trophy gave the children and their families a much-needed boost, and helped to brighten their time in hospital. It was especially meaningful to welcome the players yesterday, as last year’s traditional Christmas visit couldn’t go ahead due to the winter flu restrictions.”

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Justice is acknowledging it has removed from its website news releases about criminal cases related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, calling the information about the prosecutions “partisan propaganda.”

The purge of news releases documenting criminal charges, convictions and sentencings is the latest step by the Trump administration to dramatically rewrite the history of the assault on the Capitol, when hundreds of supporters of Republican President Donald Trump stormed the building in an effort to halt the congressional certification of his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump, on his first day back in office in January 2025, pardoned, commuted the prison sentences or vowed to dismiss the cases of all of the 1,500-plus people charged with crimes during the Capitol assault, including those convicted of attacking officers with makeshift weapons such as flagpoles, a hockey stick and crutch.

On Monday, the Justice Department announced the creation of a $1.776 billion fund meant to compensate Trump allies who feel they were unjustly investigated and prosecuted. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has not ruled out that rioters convicted of violence will be eligible for payouts, prompting bipartisan anger in Congress.

After a journalist on Friday observed on the social media platform X that the Justice Department was “quietly” removing news releases on its website that were related to the Jan. 6 attack, including about a Texas man who pleaded guilty to assault and also faced separate state charges of soliciting a minor, the department responded through its “rapid response” account that there was “nothing ‘quiet’ about it.”

“We are proud to reverse the DOJ’s weaponization under the Biden administration. We will do everything in our power to make whole those who were persecuted for political purposes,” the post said. “This includes stripping DOJ’s website of partisan propaganda.”

Among the releases removed from the site were those concerning seditious conspiracy cases against members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, far-right extremist groups. The Justice Department, in an unopposed motion last month, asked a federal appeals court to vacate those seditious conspiracy convictions, a request that was granted Thursday. The department on Friday moved to dismiss the cases against the group members.