He defended Trump in a range of cases. These included his federal prosecution for allegedly withholding classified documents after his first presidency, and over alleged attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss. Both of those cases were dropped after Trump won the 2024 election, as it is DOJ policy not to prosecute sitting presidents.

Another hot spell could reach the UK in just days, raising temperatures to a scorching 30C as the Met Office warned more heatwaves could be on the way this summer

More heatwaves could hit the UK in the coming months, with the Met Office warning of a potentially scorching summer – as UK weather maps showing highs of 30C in just days.

The next hot spell could affect a large chunk of the country by Wednesday, June 17, with temperatures potentially reaching 30C in London, according to maps from forecaster WXCharts.

The south east, south west and Midlands are also set for widespread highs of 28C or more. The Met Office has warned in its latest three-month outlook that chances of a hot summer are higher than normal, with “an increased chance of heatwaves and heat-related impacts”.

It comes after a record-breaking spell of heat which saw temperatures hit 35.1C at Kew Gardens in London last Monday.

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The forecaster says warming UK climate conditions, along with a likely El Niño weather phenomenon, are driving its outlook for June through August.

The climate pattern – caused by rising waters in the Pacific Ocean – has the potential to turbocharge heat across the planet, raising fears of more extreme weather hitting the UK.

The Met Office previously warned there is growing confidence El Niño conditions could strengthen significantly, with some experts comparing the developing system to some of the most powerful weather events ever recorded.

June itself is tipped to be warmer than usual, although Atlantic weather systems are expected to bring showers and longer spells of rain at the start of the month.

Mid-June could see more settled conditions develop, with higher pressure bringing drier and sunnier weather for many parts of the country, and temperatures likely to sit above average overall.

A “few notable high temperature spikes” are also possible according to MeteoGroup.

They add that “above-average temperatures” are expected for June, July and August, as well as “significant bursts” of heat in the UK and across Europe.

Met Office scientist Dr Emily Carlisle said: “This spring highlights both the natural variability of the UK’s weather and the longer-term warming we are observing. While conditions varied through the season, all three months of meteorological spring recorded mean temperatures within the UK’s top ten warmest on record.

2While we expect fluctuations from year to year, this spring shows some of the changes we’re seeing in our weather patterns, with more extreme conditions becoming more frequent. The fact that nine of the ten warmest springs in England have occurred since 2007 illustrates this ongoing shift in the UK’s climate.”

Counties set for 28C or higher on June 17

1. Somerset
2. Bristol
3. Gloucestershire
4. Warwickshire
5. West Midlands
6. Worcestershire
7. Staffordshire
8. Cheshire
9. Derbyshire
10. Leicestershire
11. Buckinghamshire
12. Oxfordshire
13. South Yorkshire
14. Nottinghamshire
15. Lincolnshire
16. Cambridgeshire
17. Essex
18. Hertfordshire
19. Berkshire
20. Surrey
21. Kent
22. Greater London
23. West Sussex
24. East Sussex
25. Hampshire
26. Wiltshire
27. Dorset

The supermarket chain is undergoing a major restructuring of its logistics operations, which will see more roles replaced or redefined by automated and robotic systems.

Part of Asda’s George clothing online operation will be relocated and consolidated at a single warehouse in Derby, operated by DHL, as part of wider company changes.

About 1,250 staff are expected to transfer to the new site under TUPE regulations, but only 250 roles will remain, leaving a significant number of positions at risk.

UK supermarket rankings in 2026

An Asda spokesperson said the company remains focused on supporting affected staff through the transition and exploring alternative roles where possible.

The move will see operations consolidated from three separate distribution sites in Northamptonshire, Staffordshire and the North East.

Retailers across the UK are increasingly turning to automation and robotics to improve efficiency and cut costs.

The GMB union has criticised Asda’s plans, warning that the shift toward automation is leading to substantial job losses across the industry.

The changes are part of a wider turnaround strategy at Asda as it looks to strengthen performance and modernise its operations following a period of declining market share.

In a Reddit discussion, one user said: “No way this will result in cheaper goods; all it will do is result in more profit.”

Another commenter added: “How many of those robots will be spending their wages in their local community I wonder?”

A commenter said: “Robots are going to utterly decimate jobs such as taxi drivers, delivery drivers, warehouse picking/packing, etc.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens within the next five years.”

Not all responses were negative.

Another user wrote: “This is what an increase in productivity looks like. This is a good thing.”

However, others pushed back.

One person said: “I’m not sure the people losing their job, or those unable to find one will agree with you.

“We already know that poverty results in an increase in crime.

“Put 2 and 2 together and this looks great for the execs and shareholders, and has an awful knock-on effect for everyone else.”

The list is compiled by Malton man Tom Tavener who has posted on Facebook Groups about the Tadcaster-based brewery that it has 315 pubs overall, with 152 identified as open, 145 closed and 17 of undetermined status.

Tom says he carries out the research by trawling the Facebook groups concerned with beer and the Sam Smith’s brewery as well as seeking out job vacancies the brewery posts on GumTree as well as its own runapub.co.uk website.

Tom began doing this 18 months ago, bringing together several former listings of the Sam Smith’s openings and closings, which he regularly updates to keep relevant.

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He told the Press: “It seems a bit stable now, with just the odd adjustment. The list gives drinkers a reference if they want to visit a Sam Smith’s pub.”

The Sun Inn at Long Marston is openm (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Tom says he is a fan of the beer but he takes a neutral stance over its policies banning digital devices, as well as dogs and children, that causes so much controversy and debate.

He continued: “I think it’s a great product, the beers are fantastic. The range of beers too and the tradition behind them is marvellous.”

“Humphrey [Smith the chairman] has stuck to his values. It’s makes it more than a business but an estate.”

Tom has noticed the brewery has been making more of an effort to fill its empty pubs, which might be a sign of wider changes to come at the brewery.

The flagship Angel and White Horse at Tadcaster is closed (Image: PA)

Whether this affects rules concerning children and phones, remains to be seen, with Tom saying other pubs are more family-friendly, leaving Sam’s Brewery with its own market.

He said: “It’s their business. They run it how they like. They have done well to keep brewing as long as they have. I respect how he keeps it going. The heritage that’s been maintained is incredible.”

And no doubt his latest listings will stir up further debate.

Tome added: It’s just a way of getting people talking about the estate. That’s what keeps it up to date.”

The listings, dated June 1, records most Sam Smith’s pubs in Tadcaster and Knaresborough are closed, with several closed in York.

The Wellington Inn, York, is closed (Image: Maxine Gordon)

The list for North Yorkshire included: Radcliffe Arms, Follifoot (closed); Harewood Arms, Follifoot (open); Greyhound Inn, Killinghall,( Closed); Railway Inn, Spofforth (closed); Gardener’s Arms, Harrogate (closed), Commercial Hotel, Knaresborough (closed); Marquis of Granby, Knaresborough (closed); Wellington Inn, Knaresborough (closed); Golden Ball, Scarborough (closed); Red Bear, Sherburn-in-Elmet (open); Hare and Hounds, Stutton, (closed); Angel and White Horse, Tadcaster, (closed); Bay Horse, Tadcaster (closed); Britannia Inn, Tadcaster (closed); Falcon Inn, Tadcaster (closed); Howden Arms, Tadcaster (open), Royal Oak, Tadcaster (open); White Swan, Tadcaster (closed); The Jolly sailors, Whitby (closed) and The Plough, Whitby (open).

Closer to York we have Roebuck inn, Appleton Roebuck (open); Shoulder of Mutton, Appleton Roebuck (closed); Buckles Inn, Bilbrough (closed); Ebor Inn, Bishopthorpe (open); Crown Inn, Bolton Percy (closed); Blacksmith Arms, Farlington (open); Wellington Inn, Fulford (closed); Tiger Inn, Haxby (open); Sun Inn, Long Marston (open); Castle Inn, Sheriff Hutton (open); Malt Shovel, Oswaldkirk (closed); Tankard Inn, Rufforth (closed); Cricketers Arms, Selby (open); Blacksmith Arms, Skelton (open); Cross Keys Inn, Stillingfleet (closed); Six Bells, Strensell (open); Boot and Shoe, Tockwith (open); Agar Arms, Warthill (closed), Greyhound Inn, Saxton (open).

In York we have Brigardier Gerard (open); Brown Cow (closed); Burns Hotel (open); Crystal Palace (open);  Kings Arms (open); Sea Horses Hotel (open); Trafalgar Bay (closed) and York Arms (closed).

In West Yorks we have the Admiral Hawke , Boston Spa (closed); Fox and Hounds, Boston Spa (open); Red Lion, Bramham (closed); Old Star Inn, Clifford (closed) and the Crown Inn, Wetherby (closed).

Police were called to reports of a quad bike and motorbike being ridden recklessly

Police were called to reports of a quad bike and motorbike being “ridden recklessly” across a village recreation ground on Wednesday, June 3. Cottenham Parish Council has claimed that the incident caused damage and created a “serious safety concern”.

According to the parish council, three individuals entered via the Lambs Lane entrance in the village. A spokesperson said they narrowly missed a member of staff on the pathway alongside the village hall.

The council reported the incident to the police who received “quite a few” calls about it. Officers attended but those involved had left the area, according to Cambridgeshire Police.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We take reports like this very seriously and encourage people to continue reporting information to us. The concerns have been passed onto our local neighbourhood policing team to monitor and liaise with the community.”

The parish council has asked anyone who sees the vehicles at the recreation ground or elsewhere in the village to report it to police. They can contact the council “where appropriate”.

In a statement, Cottenham Parish Council said: “Unfortunately, we’ve experienced issues today with a quad bike and motorbike being ridden recklessly across the recreation ground, causing damage and creating a serious safety concern.

“The police have been informed and are aware of the incident. The three individuals initially entered via the Lambs Lane entrance and showed little regard for other users of the rec. Worryingly, they narrowly missed a member of staff on the pathway alongside the Village Hall.”

There are a number of traffic disruptions across Wales on Thursday morning. They are as follows:

M48 Severn Bridge (Monmouthshire/Gloucestershire) – Strong winds causing restrictions in both directions. Traffic being diverted off and back onto the bridge at either end as a precaution.

A55 Britannia Bridge (Anglesey/Gwynedd) – Strong winds with a 30mph speed limit in place. Restrictions advised for caravans, motorcyclists and cyclists.

A4055 Cardiff Road, Penarth – Slow traffic between Eastbrook and Penarth, with delays of around 10 minutes.

A4118 Gower Road, Swansea – Congestion at Sketty Cross causing delays of around 10 minutes.

A483 Wrexham Bypass (southbound) – Slow traffic at Halton Roundabout near Chirk

A4076 Dredgman Hill, Haverfordwest – Delays on the approach to Merlins Bridge Roundabout.

The venue is hosting special activities for its 25th anniversary.

The National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride is getting set for a special celebration.

Get along to the Philipshill Road venue on Saturday, July 4, to enjoy its 25th anniversary day, from 10am to 5pm.

Free with museum admission and annual pass, celebrate 25 years of the National Museum of Rural Life with special activities scheduled throughout the day that showcase the museum displays and life on a working farm.

Book your visit at nms.ac.uk/events/national-museum-of-rural-life-25th-anniversary-day

And then there will be an archaeology weekend on Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26.

Free with museum admission and annual pass, get along from 10.30am to 3.30pm and take part in family-friendly fun. Meet the team from Treasure Trove Scotland and find out about their work investigating and assessing new archaeological discoveries.

Find out more at nms.ac.uk/events/archaeology-weekend

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The authority says vans can park on lines for specific reasons, such as giving people tickets for parking on lines

A driving instructor was “outraged” to see a parking warden leave their van on double yellow lines – but the local council insists it was all above board. John Allison took a picture of the scene outside his home in Russell Street, Dover, where a double yellow line is in place as otherwise emergency vehicles are obstructed from getting past.

“Do they give themselves a ticket?” the 48-year-old asked. “My gut instinct was that it was a double standard. I’ve seen other cars get tickets for exactly the same thing. You see so many other cars getting parking tickets for stopping there, even just for a few minutes. My feeling is that it’s just a bit outrageous that they feel like they can park there.”

Mr Allison says he took the picture just before 11am on Friday, May 29. His frustration is exacerbated because he can’t get a parking permit to use the bays on the other side of his street. He says he has to either park in the neighbouring St James’ Retail and Leisure Park or on residential streets further away, meaning he needs to walk some distance to and from his car.

Parking wardens, officially known as civil enforcement officers (CEOs), are employed by Dover District Council (DDC). A spokesperson said: “Parking services were carrying out operational duties at this time, which included loading and unloading from the vehicle, which is permitted under the regulations.”

According to the RAC, parking on double yellows while loading and unloading “may be permitted, providing you can be seen doing so continuously”. It is not allowed if there are specific restrictions against it, indicated either by signage or yellow ‘kerb dashes’.

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In a similar incident elsewhere in Kent two years ago, parking wardens in Whitstable came under fire for leaving their vehicle on double yellow lines to issue a ticket to someone else, sparking an investigation by Canterbury City Council.

One officer told the person filming them that they could stop there in an emergency. When asked what that was, they said: “To give that ticket.”

Man Utd are considering signing a winger who can play on the left this summer to bolster Michael Carrick’s options.

Manchester United have added Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye to their shortlist as they weigh up plans to sign a left-winger during the summer transfer window.

United have yet to make a move for the 26-year-old Senegal international, but he is being monitored at Old Trafford during what is expected to be a busy few months.

The desire to sign a left-winger isn’t as high up the agenda as it was six months ago, with Patrick Dorgu’s emergence in that position and Matheus Cunha’s performances there handing Michael Carrick options, but it’s still an area being looked at during the window.

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United had some interest in RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old Yan Diomande earlier this year, but Liverpool are now leading the chase for the Ivory Coast international, on whom the Bundesliga club have slapped an £86million price tag.

Morgan Rogers is another player of interest at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old can play off the left and could also be seen as a long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes in the No.10 role.

Aston Villa could look to cash in on Rogers this summer as they look to finance a rebuild, but United would face fierce competition for the England international, with most of the Premier League’s big beasts monitoring his situation, as well as some European giants.

Ndiaye could pose a cheaper alternative to those two and United will need to make the numbers work if they are to sign a winger. He played off both wings for the Toffees last season and can operate as a No.10, adding to the flexibility of the forward line United already have under Carrick.

Everton believe they aren’t in a position where they need to sell and Ndiaye still has three years left on his contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, having penned a five-year deal when joining the club two years ago.

But there have been suggestions that the fan favourite has turned down offers of a new deal and this summer could be the opportune moment for Everton to turn a sizeable profit on the £15million they paid Marseille for Ndiaye two years ago. He has scored 17 goals and registered three assists in 71 games for the club.

United have other priorities in the transfer window, with at least one and possibly two midfielders to follow Ederson, who has agreed a deal to join from Atalanta in a transfer worth up to £38.3million.

A left-back is also needed, with Tyrell Malacia leaving the club on a free transfer. Luke Shaw started every Premier League game last season, but will find it harder when the schedule gets tougher next term.

United have let left-wingers leave the club recently, with Antony departing in 2025 and Jadon Sancho leaving this summer, while there is a desire to get Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages off the books. There is little chance of the 28-year-old being reintegrated into Carrick’s squad.

The chances of a third midfielder joining will hinge on Manuel Ugarte being sold, while Joshua Zirkzee could also leave the club. United are assessing their options in attack, and one possibility is looking to secure a more experienced striker to add support to Benjamin Sesko.

Adding another flexible forward such as Ndiaye could also be an option, with Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both able to play through the middle.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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