London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has criticised the government’s plans for a possible north of England bid for the Olympics and Paralympics, saying that excluding the capital city would be “a missed opportunity”.

Ministers have commissioned UK Sport to conduct an “initial strategic assessment” into whether the region could host the Games in the 2040s.

The funding agency would examine the potential cost of staging the event for the first time since London 2012, as well as socio-economic benefit and any bid’s chance of success.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the government was “starting the firing gun” on the project.

But in response, a spokesperson for Sir Sadiq said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and the Mayor has openly expressed his ambition for the capital to be part of a future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Sadiq believes that a potential country-wide bid, using all the assets we have in the UK, including the publicly-owned London Stadium would deliver the very best possible Olympics.

“Using London’s existing world-class infrastructure would help deliver the greenest and most sustainable Games, as well as unlocking huge economic growth both here in London and around the country.

“Not including the capital in an Olympics bid would be a missed opportunity, and mean our country fails to unleash the full benefits of a UK-wide games.”

Earlier, Nandy said, “For too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the north.

“Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came north and we showed what we can offer to the world.

“We know that we can pull off the most incredible, not just bid, but Olympics. So we’re kick-starting that with a phase-one study about the investment, the resources, the infrastructure, the transport that we’re going to need.”

The findings of UK Sport’s study will determine whether to proceed with a more detailed “technical feasibility study”, with a final decision on any bid resting with the British Olympic Association (BOA).

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Hundreds of cheering fans waving Bulgarian flags welcomed Eurovision Song Contest winner Dara upon her return home on Sunday.

Visibly tired but smiling, the 27-year-old singer arrived at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport waving the Eurovision trophy. Bulgaria’s major television stations made changes to their regular programs to air live coverage from the airport.

“This award marks the beginning of my future international career,” Dara said.

The singer won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on Saturday with her infectious party anthem “Bangaranga,” giving the southeast European country its first-ever victory in the competition.

“We have done something great for Bulgarian music, and I hope this sends a message that Bulgaria’s performers and artists deserve stronger support,” Dara said.

She said that Bulgaria is “an exceptionally talented nation that will continue to receive more and more attention.”

Dara, whose real name is Darina Yotova, beat 24 other competitors during Saturday’s grand final of the European pop music competition. Her song’s infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine proved a hit with both national juries in participating countries and viewers around the world, whose votes together decide the winner.

Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev was among the officials at the airport. Terziev said that the capital city is ready to host the next edition of the European song contest in 2027 when Bulgaria will mark the 20th anniversary of joining the European Union.

The Balkan country’s political leaders joined the outburst of national pride.

Parliamentary speaker Mihaela Dotsova called Dara’s win an “inspiration for the nation,” while President Iliana Yotova said that it was a “triumph for Bulgaria” and Prime Minister Rumen Radev proclaimed it “a victory with global resonance.”

The Wellbeing Farm in Lancashire, has teamed up with Turton Sixth Form ahead of the fifth annual Good for Growth: B Corp Fest 2026, launching the partnership with a screening of The Peoples Emergency Briefing.

The film encouraged students to think about sustainability, ethical leadership, and the power of business to shape a better world.

Celia Gaze, founder of The Wellbeing Farm, said: “Young people are inheriting some of the biggest social and environmental challenges we’ve ever faced, but they’re also bringing fresh thinking, creativity, and optimism.

“We wanted to create an opportunity that gives students a voice and encourages them to see that business can be a powerful force for positive change.”

Now in its fifth year, B Corp Fest is an event in the North West for entrepreneurs and organisations focused on combining profit with purpose.

This year’s event promises a larger line-up of speakers, expanded networking opportunities, and a renewed focus on turning ideas into action.

Speakers confirmed so far include Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK and Darcy Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen.

Manchester-born Hannah Cox, founder of the Better Business Network, said: “Business is the most powerful tool we have for systemic change but only if we use it intentionally.

“Events like B Corp Fest exist to remind us that there’s a growing community of businesses that refuse to choose between profit and purpose. That community is getting louder, and it’s getting bigger. That’s exactly what the world needs right now.”

The Wellbeing Farm is recognised as the first independent wedding venue in the world to achieve B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability, community, and ethical leadership.

Nick Rusling, CEO of City Wellbeing Series Ltd, said: “The world is founded on businesses sustaining life, offering purpose and pay.

“If all businesses were founded on good principles, kind principles and strong values, the world would be a better place.

“It’s a team effort.

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“We all need to lead from the front on this and encourage others to do the same.”

Good for Growth: B Corp Fest 2026 will be held on Wednesday, June 3, at The Wellbeing Farm.

Tickets and more information are available via Eventbrite.

Emergency services have raced to a busy junction in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, this evening after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on a crossing outside a college

A pedestrian has suffered serious injuries following a collision on a crossing outside a college in Manchester. Emergency services, including police officers and paramedics, rushed to the Cheetham Hill area this evening, resulting in the closure of two main roads.

A large emergency response has been deployed, with numerous ambulances and police vehicles stationed on Great Ducie Street. The incident occurred next to the Manchester College, near the junction with Trinity Way, causing significant traffic delays to build across the surrounding area.

Members of the public have been urged by authorities to avoid the vicinity while the scene remains sealed off. Delays are expected to continue as emergency teams manage the aftermath of the crash.

Greater Manchester Police have urged members of the public to avoid the area for now while investigations are carried out, reports MEN.

“The police have stopped all access for cars and pedestrians,” one witness who lives nearby has told the M.E.N.

“The two ambulances have left the scene now however they left with a police escort which leads me to believe it to be a more serious incident.

“The road is closed from the Travelodge on Great Ducie Street, down to one lane on Trinity Way and no access at all heading from city centre.”

Sheringham has a large sandy beach and Blue Flag Status, making it a great spot for families

A beach that is easy to reach by train from Cambridgeshire has been named the best to visit in the region. New data from the train company, LNER, has revealed some of the best beaches to visit along the East Coast and Anglia with Sheringham topping the list.

LNER’s study analysed beaches across the UK using factors such as sunshine hours, sea temperature, and the number of nearby fish and chip shops to give a score out of 100. Sheringham was given a score of 74.7 and recorded the highest number of fish and chip shops in the region, with 18 located within a 15-minute walk.

Found along the North Norfolk coast, Sheringham has a large sandy beach and has Blue Flag Status, meaning it is clean and safe for people to swim in the sea and enjoy the beach. The area is also good for rock-pooling and snorkelling.

Aside from the beach, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to do such as taking a steam train ride from Sheringham to Holt. Children would love the Priory Maze and Gardens where they can run around the play area or get lost in the maze.

For those wanting to do some shopping, the town has a weekly market every Saturday. At the market, you can find fresh produce and seafood, some of which is sourced from Sheringham, as well as flowers, sweets, and jewellery.

If you are looking for some traditional fish and chips to enjoy on the beach, you could go to Stevenson’s Fish and Chips, which is loved by locals for its “great service” and “perfectly cooked” food. You could also pop into the Lobster Sheringham for a beer or cocktail in its large beer garden.

David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said: “For many people, a summer trip to the coast is one of the best ways to make the most of the warmer months, whether that means a family day out, a paddle in the sea, a walk along the promenade or simply enjoying fish and chips by the shore.

“This research highlights the variety of beaches that can be reached by train across England and Scotland, including many that are accessible via LNER destinations and straightforward onward connections.

“Travelling by train helps make the journey part of the experience, offering a smarter way to travel by avoiding traffic, stops for fuel, parking stress, and letting the getaway begin the moment people step on board.”

To get to Sheringham from Cambridge, you can take a train from Cambridge Station to Norwich and switch at Norwich to get to Sheringham Station. The beach is only a seven minute walk away from the train station.

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The inaugural Washy Comedy Festival will run from May 21 to May 23 at Arts Centre Washington.

It promises a packed programme of laughter with stand-up, solo shows and family entertainment featuring talent from across the region.

Lee Kyle, comedian and co-organiser of the festival from the not-for-profit comedy co-operative Felt Nowt, said: “It’s going to be great – I’m beyond excited.

“A couple of us were doing regular solo shows at Arts Centre Washington and we got talking and it’s such a lovely venue we realised it would be perfect for a festival.

“That’s where the idea came from and we’re delighted with the line-up we’ve pulled together.”

Matt Reed (Image: Supplied)

Headlining the festival is award-winning comedian Matt Reed with his latest show Stalked.

The show dives into the surreal reality of being relentlessly pursued by an over-enthusiastic fan, blending tension, absurdity and razor-sharp humour.

Reed, originally from Sunderland, will take to the stage on Saturday, May 23 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £13.

Mr Kyle said: “Matt has a really big following and this show is brilliant and a bit different.”

Other highlights include Elaine Robertson’s Edinburgh Fringe-winning show Delulu, which explores self-belief, delusion and navigating modern life, including the fine line between confidence and complete fantasy.

Robertson will perform on Friday, May 22 at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £10.

Alex Redman (Image: Supplied)

Alex Redman will perform on Thursday, May 21 with her show Sunshine Space Cadet. For her show Alex combs through the eccentricities of life, her sunny disposition, mental illness and the conflict that comes with being an oddball whilst also desperately wanting to be liked.

Tickets for Redman’s performance are £10.

Friday’s programme also includes the Babes in Arms Comedy Club at 1pm, hosted by Nicola Mantalios and Kelly Rickard.

The show is designed for parents and carers to enjoy stand-up comedy in a baby-friendly environment.

Tickets are £8.

Mr Kyle will also be performing with his Giant Comedy Show for Families Who Aren’t Boring.

His high-energy performance mixes stand-up and spontaneous audience interaction. It’s family entertainment with an edge – fast, funny and anything but ordinary.

His show will be on Saturday, May 23 at 2pm, with tickets costing £7.

He said: “It’s a show for kids, but I treat them as adults and treat the adults as kids.

“It’s a bit of fun, a bit naughty but a space where the kids can forget about school and just enjoy themselves.”

WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners have launched new High Court legal action against the DWP’s decision not to compensate the 1950s-born women impacted by changes to the state pension age.

The WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners have reignited their fight for DWP compensation. Labour announced in January 2026 that there would be no payouts for the 1950s-born women represented by WASPI and other campaign groups.

WASPI has fought for more than a decade to secure compensation for the generation of women affected by their state pension age rising from 60 to 65 and subsequently to 66, aligning it with men’s. Their argument centres on inadequate notification from the DWP about the change.

They claim many women remained oblivious until the last minute, with their retirement arrangements shattered when they discovered their state pension would not commence for several additional years. In rejecting compensation, the Government argued that the majority of women were aware of the change, and earlier notification letters would have had minimal impact.

This position came despite the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman examining the matter and concluding there was ‘maladministration’ by the Government. The watchdog proposed payments between £1,000 and £2,950, reports the Express.

New legal challenge

However, WASPI has revealed it is pursuing fresh legal proceedings against the DWP’s refusal to provide compensation. They are seeking a judicial review of the decision at the High Court. Angela Madden, chair of the WASPI campaign, said: “The Government has had every opportunity to do the right thing for WASPI women. Instead, they have made a political choice that risks alienating voters in hundreds of marginal seats across the country.

“Labour MPs have seen the electoral data. They know WASPI women have the numbers to unseat them. Yet ministers continue to ignore the independent Ombudsman, their own backbenchers, and millions of voters.”

A fair compensation amount

Hannah Martin, women’s pensions expert and founder of www.richretiree.com, backs the campaign and believes the WASPI women are deserving of compensation. She said: “I believe they should be awarded compensation. But it’s difficult to ascertain what is a ‘fair’ amount, as the financial impact hasn’t been the same for every woman.

“A flat payment scheme would be much simpler to administer, however this could lead to some women still being left out of pocket, and others receiving more than they lost. Some kind of simplified graduated scheme would be fairer.”

When asked whether the WASPI women stand a realistic chance of ultimately securing compensation, she said: “That’s a tricky question to answer, given Keir Starmer’s change of stance on the issue. In 2018 he rightly said WASPI was ‘a real injustice’ and that ‘we need to do something about it.’ And yet, when given the opportunity to act on these words as Prime Minister, he backed out, blaming lack of money.

“That said, I would never underestimate a determined, angry group of women. The WASPI women are undeterred in their campaign and they appear to have a considerable amount of support backing their legal challenge.”

Numerous individual MPs have previously declared their backing for the WASPI cause. Several political parties have likewise long championed compensation, amongst them the Liberal Democrats, the SNP and the Green Party.

All three parties achieved notable victories in the recent local elections. Ms Martin expressed her hope that this would strengthen support for the WASPI cause, saying: “It’s certainly an emotive issue that impacts and touches a significant number of people across the UK. But politicians have a habit of championing popular issues when campaigning, only to back away from action once they are in a position to actually make a change – as we have already seen with Keir Starmer.”

Ms Madden said: “After losing nearly 1,500 seats in the recent local elections, the [Labour] party now has a clear choice: listen to WASPI women and compensate them fairly, or face the consequences at the next General Election. We will not be ignored, and we will not give up this fight.”

Earlier in May, the country’s tourism minister, Olga Kefalogianni, said the Greek government did not want visitors to be “burdened” by bureaucratic procedures when entering or leaving the country.

She confirmed at the time that British visitors would not face biometric checks at the border at any time during the summer season.

However, European and Greek authorities have now clarified that suspension of the system is permitted only during periods of high passenger traffic at specific entry points and does not apply to any country or nationality.

In response to a question from The Associated Press on Thursday (May 14), the Foreign Ministry said: “We have not received any further update or clarification as to whether, for example, specific nationalities are temporarily exempt from the relevant procedure.”

This won’t just affect Brits, but any non-EU (European Union) nationals who have to go through the biometric scanners.

Greece insists it has “successfully started the full operation of the Entry-Exit System”.

However, in practice, it suspended biometric checks on UK visitors in early April after long queues built up at Corfu airport.

Private tour operators fear additional airport checks could discourage travel from the UK to the EU, and widen the disparity with EU citizens, who can move within the bloc without passport checks

What are the new EU entry/exit system rules?

BBC News reports that back in April, the EU completed the introduction of its controversial new digital border procedure, known as the “entry-exit system”, or EES.

It requires short-term visitors from outside the EU and the European Economic Area to register biometric data each time they enter or leave the Schengen free travel zone.

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The first time they cross the border, this is meant to include fingerprints and a facial scan, with one of those being checked each time they go through passport control.

Although the system is working well in some parts of the EU, there have been serious difficulties in others, with some passengers experiencing queues of up to three hours.

Have you experienced long delays travelling to Europe due to biometric checks? Let us know in the comments.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — When Charles Wandfluh voted in Louisiana’s Republican primary over the weekend, he could only conjure the unflattering image of a panicked rodent when talking about Bill Cassidy’s desperate attemp t to cling to his U.S. Senate seat despite opposition from President Donald Trump.

“He’s just a squirrel running around the tree, chasing nuts to find whatever he can get to benefit him,” said Wandfluh, 57, in a suburb of New Orleans.

Cassidy’s scramble was in vain, and his defeat on Saturday demonstrated the near-impossibility of a political future within the Republican Party without Trump’s acquiescence. Despite outspending his rivals, Cassidy finished third in the primary, falling short of even making a runoff. The outcome was the latest and perhaps most spectacular failure by a Republican who tried to cross Trump and get away with it.

Even within a party notorious for its political contortions during the Trump era, Cassidy stood out. As a doctor, he overlooked Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine activism to support his nomination as Trump’s health secretary, only inevitably to clash with Kennedy once he took the job.

Cassidy was also unable to repair his relationship with Trump five years after voting to convict him during his impeachment trial over the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Although Cassidy tried to assure Republican voters that he remained committed to Trump’s agenda, that did not satisfy their loyalty to the Republican president.

“He was trying to portray himself side by side with Trump, like he has worked with Trump on this and that,” Wandfluh complained. “I’m like, ‘You voted to impeach the guy!’”

Trump’s endorsed candidate

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, endorsed by Trump, and state Treasurer John Fleming, a former Trump administration official, will compete for the Republican nomination on June 27.

“There is no greater endorsement than the endorsement of President Trump,” said Letlow, who was first in the voting Saturday. “We’ll always be singing that from the mountaintops.”

Trump liked what he heard, posting on social media that it was a “great victory speech tonight by Julia!!!” The president stomped on Cassidy’s electoral grave, describing the senator as ungrateful for previous support.

“His disloyalty to the man who got him elected is now a part of legend, and it’s nice to see that his political career is OVER!” Trump wrote.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who feuded with Trump in the past but has since become a model of loyalty to the president, had no sympathy for his vanquished colleague.

“What’s the headline? Trump’s strong. Those who try to destroy Trump politically, stand in the way of his agenda, are going to lose,” Graham said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “You can disagree with President Trump, but if you try to destroy him, you’re going to lose. Because this is the party of Donald Trump.”

Purging the party

Graham once described Trump as a “kook” who was “unfit for office,” and he appeared to break with Trump after the Jan. 6 riot by saying “enough is enough.” But Graham did not vote to convict Trump during the impeachment trial, unlike Cassidy and six other Republican senators.

Four of them — Richard Burr of North Carolina, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania — did not run for another term afterward.

Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski, who remains in office and is a vocal Trump skeptic, won reelection in 2022 when Trump was out of office. There also is Maine’s Susan Collins, who has faced Trump’s wrath but not a primary challenge as she runs for a sixth term in November. As a Republican senator from a state won by Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the last presidential election, she remains crucial for her party’s control of Congress.

Trump’s grip on his party is noteworthy given his lame-duck status — he is constitutionally prohibited from running for a third term even though he has mused about it — and his low poll numbers. He is presiding over lingering inflation, economic dissatisfaction and an unpopular war with Iran, yet Republicans remain largely in lockstep with him.

As he approaches the back half of his second term, Trump appears to be finalizing a wholesale makeover of the party that he began a decade ago, and his appetite for retribution does not appear to be waning.

Earlier this month, he successfully dislodged five Indiana state senators who opposed his redistricting plan. On Tuesday, he is backing a challenger to U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s primary. Massie angered Trump by opposing his signature tax legislation over concerns about the national debt, pushing for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and opposing his decision to go to war with Iran.

Over the weekend, Trump suggested that he could next target U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado because of her support for Massie.

“Even though I long ago endorsed Boebert, if the right person came along, it would be my Honor to withdraw that Endorsement, and endorse a good and proper alternative,” Trump said, although the filing deadline for Colorado candidates passed months ago.

All about Trump

After his defeat, Cassidy addressed Trump’s influence without naming him.

“Our country is not about one individual. It is about the welfare of all Americans, and it is about our Constitution,” the senator told supporters in Baton Rouge. “And it is the welfare of my people, and my state, and my country, and our Constitution to which I am loyal.”

But Trump’s role was central for many Republican voters.

Mark Schulingkanp, who is 46 and works in the shipping industry, said he voted for Letlow precisely to avoid the conflict that has marked Cassidy’s relationship with Trump.

“Getting federal dollars into the state is the most important thing to me, to help people with jobs,” he said. “Clearly having a senator that the president doesn’t like could cause a challenge or impede federal dollars coming to the state for roads, bridges, so many different programs.”

Jeanelle Chachere, a 66-year-old nurse, described Cassidy as a “phony” and said she voted for Letlow solely because of Trump’s endorsement.

“I’m going by what he says because I like what he does,” she said.

In a sign of how Cassidy had backed himself into a political corner, he also lost support in some quarters for going along with Trump’s demands.

Mark Workman, a 75-year-old retired physician, said he voted for Fleming to punish Cassidy for backing Kennedy’s confirmation.

“If Cassidy had stood up and blocked RFK, I would definitely have supported him because that would have been a strong, ballsy move,” Workman said. “He had the ability to stop him and he was too weak to do that.”

___

Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. Associated Press writer Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.