Rafael Leao has also been linked with a more to north London, but it is Manchester United who have made their first move to sign the AC Milan forward. Michael Carrick is also eyeing up Newcastle pair Sandro Tonali and Lewis Hall. Ederson, from Atalanta, is expected to be their first new arrival to replace Casemiro. Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is set to be given far more control of new signings than his predecessors, but his first business could be the exits of Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella, who are both attracting interest with Spain, and Alejandro Garnacho, who is simply not wanted. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen are both of interest.

Cllr Grahl added: “The dispute […] could still be resolved through meaningful negotiations with staff and their recognised union, the NEU. Teaching assistants are central to delivering high-quality SEND provision, and their pay and conditions should reflect the skill, care and consistency their work requires.”

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has stated that Donald Trump would have ‘absolutely’ gone to prison if he lost the 2024 presidential election.

While appearing on Fox News’ Hang Out with Sean Hannity podcast, the former prosecutor spoke with the TV presenter — who is known for his pro-Trump coverage — about the president’s 34 felony convictions.

He suggested winning the presidency for the second time likely changed Trump’s fate dramatically.

Hannity said: ‘[Trump] was convicted on 34 felony charges. So, is it an accurate statement to say, “He either wins in 2024, wins the White House — it’s either the White House or the big house?”‘

The ‘big house’ is an American slang term that means prison or a penitentiary.

Without hesitation, Blanche responded: ‘Yes. I mean, oh yeah, absolutely.’

The Attorney General, who led Trump’s defense team in the infamous Stormy Daniels hush money trial, added: ‘He had a D.C. case breathing down his neck. He had the Florida case, which had been dismissed, but they were appealing it.

‘And then he had a judge in New York. There’s no scenario in which he wasn’t going to send President Trump to prison, and he didn’t after the president won.’

Back in 2024 — three years after Trump’s first presidency — he was convicted of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels.

The American adult film actress and director claimed that she and Trump had sex, and that she accepted $130,000 from the president’s former lawyer before the 2016 presidential election in exchange for her silence about the alleged affair.

Trump, who was 77 at the time, became the first former US president to be tried for a crime, which led to his 34 counts of fraud charges.

However, Trump was granted an unconditional discharge by the judge. This is a court sentence in which a defendant is found guilty of a minor offence, but the judge decides that no punishment, further supervision, or fines are necessary.

Still, it cemented Trump’s status as a convicted felon.

Meanwhile, Hannity questioned whether Trump would have faced federal prosecution had he not ran for a second presidential campaign.

He put to Blanche: ‘If he had decided not to run, all of this, none of this would have happened.’

The Attorney General then replied: ‘Without a doubt. And those smug prosecutors would say, “Oh no, this has nothing to do with the fact that he’s running.” All right. Yeah, you should work on that in the mirror.’

Alongside his convictions, Trump was also impeached during his first term as president. The impeachment made him the third US president to be impeached by the House of Representatives, after Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998.

However, Trump is the only US president and only federal official to have been impeached twice. In each case, he was acquitted on all counts by the Senate.

The first was in December 2019. Just one week before Christmas, the House voted to impeach Trump over allegations that he sought help from Ukraine to boost his chances of re-election.

Trump was accused of breaking the law by pressuring the newly elected Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to find damaging information regarding Joe Biden, his political rival, who eventually won the presidency in 2020.

Democrats responded by saying it is illegal to request help from foreign entities to win a US election.

The second was in January 2021, when an article of impeachment was launched against Trump that charged him with ‘incitement of insurrection’, linked to the January 6 Capitol riots.

In a video, Trump asked supporters to ‘peacefully and patriotically’ make their voices heard. However, he also told them to ‘fight like hell’ after he said the election had been falsely stolen from him.

After his speech, many broke into the Capitol and the building was placed on lockdown. Five people died during the incident.

There’s no sign that methane emissions are declining globally.

That’s according to the International Energy Agency’s latest report on methane, which revealed a worrying implementation gap in current policies. The UN has warned repeatedly that getting methane emissions under control is critical to address the climate crisis. Methane emissions have a powerful greenhouse effect, with 1 tonne of methane causing 80 times more warming than 1 tonne of carbon dioxide over 20 years. That is why reducing methane emissions has been described as an emergency brake for addressing climate change.

With scientists warning of dangerous feedback loops, where global warming triggers large stores of methane to be released from underneath melting ice sheets, stabilising emissions is becoming increasingly urgent.

Our team’s analysis at Oxford University’s Climate Policy Monitor aligns with the International Energy Agency’s finding about an implementation gap in this area. The Climate Policy Monitor is an online database powered by a pro bono network of more than 60 law firms which assesses how policies and regulations are aligned – or not – with global climate goals. The analysis spans 37 jurisdictions, including 36 countries and one large sub-national economy (California).

We recently identified over 100 methane policies across 32 jurisdictions. However, fewer than one-third of these policies are mandatory. Four countries – India, Indonesia, Thailand and Tanzania – had no identifiable methane policies at all. This is concerning as India and Indonesia together account for more than 12% of global methane emissions.

The recent analysis indicates continued interest in methane regulation – with around 20% of policies issued in 2024 and 2025. Yet implementation and enforcement remains weak. Over two-thirds of methane policies showed little sign of implementation, such as evidence of sanctions for non-compliance.

Signs of progress

On methane policies related to fossil fuels, most policies targeted oil and gas: methane is burned off (or flared) during oil extraction, and as the main component of natural gas it can leak from faulty pipes. However, even in this comparatively well-regulated sector, few policies required public disclosure, third-party verification or standardised methods for measuring emissions.

Japan stands out as a leader on robust policymaking on fossil methane. Japan’s Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures (1998) mandates public disclosure of facility-level emissions and third-party verification of emission inventories. Japan successfully reduced methane emissions by roughly 40% between 1990 and 2022.

In the current context of high energy prices, cutting methane emissions can also help improve energy security and reduce wastage of natural resources.

Coal methane – the methane that either escapes during coal mining or builds up in disused mines – remains a global policy gap. Less than half of the jurisdictions analysed (15 out of 37) had policies covering coal methane. Coal methane remains a problem in countries like Poland which are phasing out coal, since methane venting can continue long after mines are closed. This highlights the urgent need for action in this area.

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MethaneSat: the climate spy satellite that went quiet

A global blindspot

Agriculture makes up largest human source of methane emissions, accounting for around 40% of methane emissions, mainly from cow burps (with the remainder coming from fossil methane and food waste). Yet the management of agricultural methane remains a global blindspot.

Fewer than half of the 100 methane policies we identified targeted agriculture specifically. Thirteen jurisdictions – including the EU, France and Poland – did not have any agricultural methane policies. Together, these jurisdictions account for more than 20% of global methane emissions.

Agricultural policies were also less likely to be mandatory – only 20% (13 out of 66) policies were found to be mandatory compared to 44% for the electricity sector. This imbalance suggests governments continue to prioritise tackling energy-sector methane while overlooking agricultural emissions.

The lack of ambition in methane regulation extends to the agri-food sector. The campaign organisation Changing Markets Foundation recently found that only three of the largest dairy and coffee companies have a target to reduce methane emissions by 2030.

As the monitor’s annual review noted, the focus on energy neglects other mitigation pathways, such as dietary changes in developed countries, primarily through cutting beef and dairy consumption. This could be transformative in putting an emergency brake on climate change. Shifts toward more sustainable diets would also have additional co-benefits for the environment and public health.

Backsliding amid global growth

The Climate Policy Monitor report found a trend of backsliding by one country in particular – the US. In 2025, amid other announcements, the US Environmental Protection Agency delayed methane regulations for oil and gas facilities that were issued in 2024. More recently, the EU has been lobbied by the US to delay penalties for oil and gas importers on methane, although investors urged the EU to resist pressure from US politicians to water down the regulation.

However, there are signs of hope at the global level. More than half of recent methane policies emerged in African and Latin American jurisdictions. This highlights how developing and emerging economies are prioritising climate action through rule-making based on their distinct contexts.

Despite backsliding in some jurisdictions, the overall global trend is moving towards stronger climate policies. With strong policy and enforcement, there is still a chance for the world to get to grips with methane emissions.

Lloyds Bank and Halifax customers are unable to access mobile banking or make payments due to an app outage

Lloyds Bank and Halifax customers have been left unable to make payments this afternoon (Wednesday) following a widespread outage affecting both banks’ apps.

Scores of customers have taken to social media to complain they are unable to use their online payment services, with the majority of reports centring on the Lloyds and Halifax banking apps, as some users struggle to log in.

Further reports relate to online banking more broadly, according to outage-tracking website Downdetector, which recorded a significant spike in complaints from Lloyds customers at around 11am.

The bulk of complaints have come from London, Belfast and Cardiff, while customers in Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham and Manchester are also experiencing considerable disruption.

“Can’t use cards, online banking and app, what’s is going on, need to pay for something and I can’t,” one frustrated user wrote, reports Belfast Live.

Another added: “Can’t buy any lunch on my only break in work today.”

A third fumed: “Trying to sell a car, can’t access my account to accept bank transfer, what a useless bank!!”

Lloyds acknowledged the problems on X, formerly Twitter, stating: “We’re aware some customers are having issues with our app and online banking. We’re really sorry about this. We’re working hard to fix it and will let you know as soon as we’re back to normal.”

Halifax echoed the same message to its customers: “We’re aware some customers are having issues with our app and online banking. We’re really sorry about this. We’re working hard to fix it and will let you know as soon as we’re back to normal.”

Halifax and Lloyds are experiencing simultaneous outages due to both being part of Lloyds Banking Group. As a result, they share the same digital infrastructure and servers, meaning customers of both Halifax and Lloyds are reporting difficulties with their online banking services.

Customers are not automatically entitled to compensation in such circumstances, according to The Mirror.

Whether compensation is warranted depends on the severity of the impact on the individual. For instance, if the disruption caused a missed bill payment or had a detrimental effect on your credit score.

The duration of the service disruption and how swiftly the bank acted to resolve it are also key factors. Should you be considering lodging a complaint, it is advisable to collate evidence detailing how the outage affected you and for how long.

Ensure your complaint is submitted in writing, so that you retain a clear paper trail.

Different countries have different rules that travellers may not be aware of

Holidaymakers planning to take their medications abroad could face an unwelcome shock if they fail to prepare before departure. One health expert has cautioned that few travellers understand how to pack their medications correctly or what they need to know before flying, potentially risking security hold-ups, confiscated pills and even criminal charges in certain countries.

Rhysa Phommachanh, Health Specialist at Landys Chemist, warned: “Travelling with medication can require more preparation than many people realise. Every year, travellers encounter issues ranging from confiscated medicines and airport delays to difficulties replacing essential treatments abroad.

“In some cases, travellers may face problems entering a country if they are carrying restricted medications without the correct documentation, potentially resulting in confiscation, legal issues, or even criminal charges. Others have been unable to access medication because the drug is sold under a different name, requires a local prescription, or isn’t available at all.”

The health expert has shared some straightforward packing tips that could stop these problems from disrupting your health or your holiday.

Hand luggage

Rhysa advised travellers to keep their medication in their hand luggage. This ensures you won’t go without if your checked baggage is delayed or goes missing, and the temperature in the aircraft hold can fluctuate significantly, which may affect temperature-sensitive medication such as insulin and certain inhalers. Keeping your medication in your hand luggage also ensures it remains within easy reach throughout your trip, while being stored in a more stable environment.

Original packaging

Rhysa advised: “All medicines should remain in their original, clearly labelled pharmacy packaging. This helps avoid confusion at security and border control and ensures dosing instructions are easily verified if questioned.”

Documentation

If you’re on a regular prescription, carrying a copy along with a doctor’s letter outlining your diagnosis, dosage and treatment plan can prove invaluable when navigating security checks or travelling to destinations with stricter regulations surrounding your type of medication.

Controlled restrictions

Certain medications may be more heavily regulated or even banned in some countries, so it’s worth researching the restrictions at your destination before you travel. In some instances, this may simply mean you need to carry specific quantities or particular documentation.

Rhysa warned: “Countries including the UAE, Japan, and Singapore have particularly strict regulations, and in some cases, medicines commonly available in the UK may be restricted or prohibited. Travellers who arrive without the correct documentation or approvals could face medication confiscation, fines, or even criminal charges.”

ADHD medications, codeine, tramadol and sleeping tablets may be subject to stricter regulations as they can be classified as controlled substances. Likewise, pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient found in over-the-counter cold and flu remedies here in the UK, is restricted in certain countries.

Time zones

Those taking time-sensitive medication such as insulin or contraceptives will also need to factor in any time difference while travelling. Failing to correctly adjust their dosage schedule could lead to missed doses or overdoses.

In Paris, Chwalinska has played with infectious freedom and joyful creativity, beating two seeded players and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen along the way.

She kept her composure well against Kalinskaya, first having to reset after letting a 5-1 lead slip in the opener, before reeling off five straight points from 3-2 down in the resulting tie-break to take the lead.

She then held her nerve in the second, recovering from being broken as she tried to serve out victory before clinching her first match point on Kalinskaya’s serve.

“I was definitely nervous. I am stressed, of course, but I try to focus on my job and my games,” Chwalinska said.

“I am not focusing on confidence. I am playing against the best players in the world, so I will not compare myself to them.”

Whatever happens in the semi-finals, Chwalinska is now projected to leap up the rankings and into the world’s top 30.

By reaching the semi-finals, she has also secured prize money amounting to £647,700 – more than doubling her career total earnings of £642,400 in the space of 10 days.

The justice department on Monday said it was temporarily suspending the compensation scheme, citing the court decision. But critics, including some Republicans, demanded the administration go further and make clear it was giving up on the idea altogether. Blanche finally pulled the plug on Tuesday, telling House lawmakers: “We’re not moving forward with the fund.”

Many are complaining they’re unable to make any payments this afternoon using their online banking apps

Lloyds Bank and Halifax customers are unable to make payments this afternoon (Wednesday) as the apps associated with their banks are experiencing an outage.

Issues with online banking apps have seen many complaining they’re unable to use their online payment option. The majority of reports are relating to the Lloyds and Halifax banking apps, with some users struggling to log in.

Other reports are relating to online banking, according to Downdetector. A Downdetector graph showed a huge spike in complaints from Lloyds customers at around 11am.

The majority of complains coming from London, Belfast and Cardiff, while customers in Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham and Manchester are also facing significant disruption.

“Can’t use cards, online banking and app, what’s is going on, need to pay for something and I can’t,” one user said.

Another added: “Can’t buy any lunch on my only break in work today.”

Another fumed: “Trying to sell a car, can’t access my account to accept bank transfer, what a useless bank!!”

Lloyds say on X, formerly Twitter: “We’re aware some customers are having issues with our app and online banking. We’re really sorry about this. We’re working hard to fix it and will let you know as soon as we’re back to normal.”

Halifax told its customers: “We’re aware some customers are having issues with our app and online banking. We’re really sorry about this. We’re working hard to fix it and will let you know as soon as we’re back to normal.”

Halifax and Lloyds are experiencing simultaneous outages because they’re both owned by Lloyds Banking Group. This means they share the same digital infrastructure and servers, so both Halifax and Lloyds customers will be reporting issues with their online banking services.

Consumers are not automatically entitled to compensation in these circumstances, reports The Mirror.

It depends on how badly the outage has affected you. For example, if it made you miss a bill or it affected your credit score.

It also depends on how long the service disruption lasts for and how quickly the bank worked to resolve it. If you’re considering making a complaint, you should gather evidence about how the service issues affected you and for how long.

Make sure you get your complaint in writing, so you have a paper trail.

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