WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has withdrawn subpoenas issued in the investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan, with officials asking for voluntary interviews instead of testimony before a grand jury, two people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

A small handful of subpoenas were known to have been issued over the weekend for witnesses to appear before a grand jury in Washington. But investigators on Monday evening informed lawyers that the subpoenas were being withdrawn in favor of requests for voluntary interviews, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press to discuss developments in an ongoing investigation.

The reason for the reversal in course was not immediately known.

The months-old Brennan investigation is one of several criminal probes the Justice Department has opened over the last year against President Donald Trump’s perceived adversaries. It centers on one of the Republican president’s chief grievances — a U.S. intelligence community finding that Russia interfered on his behalf during his successful 2016 presidential campaign.

The subpoenas were issued after a shake-up in the Justice Department team leading the investigation. A career national security prosecutor in Florida who had been handling the inquiry recently left the case after expressing doubt about the legal viability of a potential criminal prosecution, according to another person familiar with the matter.

The Justice Department on Monday installed a Trump loyalist, Joe diGenova, who served as U.S. attorney in Washington during the Reagan administration, as a counselor to the attorney general who will now work on the Brennan investigation. DiGenova supported Trump’s failed legal campaign to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election and has also been an outspoken critic of Trump foes like Brennan, saying in a television interview years ago that the former CIA director was “at the head” of a conspiracy to falsely link Trump to Russia.

At an unrelated news conference on Tuesday, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche brushed aside questions about whether diGenova’s past comments could create a conflict of interest and leave him susceptible to claims of bias.

“The mere fact that he has spoken about his perception — he didn’t have access to grand jury information, he didn’t have access to witnesses. And so, like any prosecutor, I expect that he will follow the facts. And those facts come from witnesses and grand jury information,” Blanche said.

Brennan served as CIA director under President Barack Obama and was in that role when the intelligence community in January 2017 published an assessment detailing Russian interference aimed at helping Trump defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016. An investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller concluded that Russia meddled on Trump’s behalf and that his campaign welcomed the assistance, but it did not find sufficient evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy.

Large plumes of smoke were seen for miles as firefighters battled a blaze at a derelict building in Radcliffe on Tuesday night (April 21). Firefighters were called to reports of the fire on Milltown Street at around 7.15pm on Tuesday (April 21).

People were told to urged to avoid the area and those living closest to the scene were told to close their windows and doors.

One eyewitness told the M.E.N that a ‘really large explosion’ was heard in the area. Crews working on the fire used water from the River Irwell to help dampen the blaze.

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Police and paramedics are also attended the scene before the cordon was extended, according to eyewitnesses.

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At around 7.15pm today (Tuesday 21 April), eight fire engines and three specialist appliances from across Greater Manchester were called to a building fire on Milltown Street, Radcliffe.

“Crews arrived quickly and are using jets and turntable ladders to extinguish the fire.

“Residents are asked to avoid the area and close their windows and doors if they live nearby.”

Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.

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The incident marks the second fire in as many years on Milltown Street. Last year, emergency services rushed to the area after reports of a blaze at a derelict mill in September.

Locals claimed crews are working at Pioneers Mill which is at the bottom of the street.

In 2022, the street was the site for another fire when a huge blaze tore through a plastic storage unit.

Tim Sherwood believes Chelsea will sack Liam Rosenior following the 3-0 defeat against Brighton on Tuesday night.

Brighton ran out deserved winners at the Amex Stadium with goals from  Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck.

The defeat means Chelsea have now lost five league games without scoring a goal for the first time since 1912.

During the second half, Chelsea supporters chanted against the club’s BlueCo ownership and called for Rosenior’s sacking.

Chelsea have insisted that they have no plans to dismiss Rosenior, however, Sherwood feels the 41-year-old will lose his job at Stamford Bridge.

‘It was a team playing against a bunch of individuals who had no spirit, no character,’ Sherwood told Sky Sports.

‘I’ve just watched them at the end going up to the Chelsea fans, half of them had already left the stadium probably 20 minutes ago, it was done and dusted after the second goal went in.

‘They played five at the back in the first half, it was embarrassing the amount of room Brighton had, second half was a little bit better at the start.

‘He [Rosenior] was lucky at half time it was only one [goal], Garnacho came on and gave more in forward areas but as soon as they got the second goal with Hinshelwood, we’re talking an academy player who played in every single position on the pitch, he played full-back, he’s outstanding in that position, plays in midfield, he played as a No.10 tonight, he was outstanding.

‘I don’t like saying it but there are demonstrations there and flags out against BlueCo, he will not survive this, Liam Rosenior will not survive this, unfortunately for him.

‘It’s a real tough job for any manager to go in there and change the environment because these Chelsea fans have been brought up winning trophies, the biggest trophies, with the biggest players. It’s a development club.’

Sherwood also criticised Enzo Fernandez for his reaction towards Chelsea’s supporters after the final whistle as the midfielder stood shrugging with his arms out in front of fans at the Amex Stadium.

‘He wanted to make a show, this is not someone who I wanted to see with an armband on,’ Sherwood said.

‘He wants to leave the club. He stuck his chest out, he stood there, he made a stand, mate, make a stand when the game is on, do something about it, lead your players, you’re an individual who plays for himself.

‘He’s probably there talking to the coaching staff trying to blame everyone else around him, that ain’t what leaders do, they galvanise their teammates, they make sure they’re organised, he has to know when he’s on that pitch what Liam Rosenior wants, and he has to try and implement it on the pitch for his manager.

‘They are not playing for their manager. Whether it’s him, Pochettino, Potter, Enzo Maresca, they throw them all under the bus. The players need to look at themselves but the club needs to change, you are not going to shift the mindset of these Chelsea fans.

‘Cucurella was poor tonight, Gusto was poor, the centre-backs are not good enough, whether it’s Fofana, Hato or Chalobah, they’re not good enough, the goalkeeper is not good enough. They need experienced players, no only in age but who have played a lot of games and know the Premier League, I want to see leaders on that team like the Chelsea of old.

‘This is not Chelsea Football Club, it’s nothing like I recognise from a Chelsea Football Club… terrible.’

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy has slumped over the past month as the Iran war drives prices higher, according to a new AP-NORC poll, with even Republicans showing less faith in his leadership.

The findings from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research show a president who is struggling with unfulfilled promises to tame inflation and testing Americans’ patience with a conflict in the Middle East that has dragged on longer than expected.

Trump’s approval rating on the economy dropped to 30% in April from 38% in a March AP-NORC poll. A similarly low share of U.S. adults, 32%, approve of the president’s leadership on Iran, which is unchanged since last month.

The poll was conducted April 16-20, during which time the Strait of Hormuz was reopened by Iran, then closed again, an example of the whiplash that has characterized the conflict.

The president’s policies and pronouncements have often been at odds with each other. Gasoline prices — which he promised to slash — jumped after the U.S. attacked Iran in February. His tariffs have kept much of the economy in limbo and hiring has slowed despite his boasts of a “golden age.”

Only 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s overall job performance, down slightly from 38% last month.

Trump’s falling approval ratings could create problems for his party as it tries to defend House and Senate majorities in the midterm elections. The poll finds that Trump is especially weak on cost of living, and enthusiasm about Trump’s performance has waned over the past year among his own supporters.

Kathryn Bright, 60, a retired captain in the U.S. Air Force, regrets that she supported Trump in the last election.

“I feel disgusted with myself, I feel betrayed, like he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” she said.

Bright lives in a small town far out on Colorado’s prairie and has several disabling medical conditions. She was initially drawn to Trump because of his vows to support veterans, avoid foreign wars and lower costs.

“It’s like high school class president: ‘I’m gonna promise we are going to get pizza every single day,’” Bright said. “Then as soon as they get elected they are like, ‘Oh, I lied.’”

The vast majority of Americans disapprove of Trump on cost of living

In a sign of just how unpopular Trump’s approach on prices has become, the poll found that only about one-quarter of U.S. adults approve of his handling of the cost of living.

The consumer price index climbed 3.3% in March from a year ago, and inflation is slightly higher than the 3% that Trump inherited upon returning to the White House last year. Yet Trump has shown little interest in inflation and played down the rising energy costs caused by the war prompting Iran to effectively shutter the Strait of Hormuz to oil and natural gas tankers.

The two-week ceasefire with Iran was due to end

US President Donald Trump has once again extended the ceasefire with Iran, announcing the decision only hours before the deadline was due to expire, after reportedly being urged to “hold our attack”.

In a statement, Trump said the decision was driven by his belief that the “Government of Iran is seriously fractured”.

“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” he posted on Truth Social.

“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”

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Emergency services were called to Milltown Street around 7.15pm on Tuesday

Drone footage captures the moment flames ripped through a derelict mill in Radcliffe.

Police, paramedics and firefighters were called to the fire on Milltown Street at around 7.15pm on Tuesday, April 21.

A cordon was put in place, with dozens of firefighters from across Greater Manchester called to tackle the blaze.

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A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At around 7.15pm today (Tuesday 21 April), eight fire engines and three specialist appliances from across Greater Manchester were called to a building fire on Milltown Street, Radcliffe.

“Crews arrived quickly and are using jets and turntable ladders to extinguish the fire.

“Residents are asked to avoid the area and close their windows and doors if they live nearby.”

Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.

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Chadwick Scott Willacy, 58, was executed in Florida after spending 36 years on death row for the murder of his neighbour Marlys Sather

A convicted murderer on death row, who set his neighbour alight more than three decades ago, used his final statement to deliver a thinly-veiled apology.

Chadwick Scott Willacy was administered a three-drug lethal injection today for the murder of Marlys Sather, who was set on fire after returning home to discover the intruder inside her property.

Willacy, who had broken into the home in a chilling burglary, struck her over the head with a blunt instrument, fracturing her skull, before binding her hands and ankles with wire and tape, reports the Mirror.

Having been found guilty of first-degree murder, burglary, robbery and arson, Willacy spent 36 years on death row in Starke, Florida, before finally being executed on April 21. While the 58 year old offered apologies to his own family and friends and urged his “brothers on the row” to stay strong, Willacy continued to protest his innocence, insisting he would never have killed his friend.

Speaking moments before the lethal injection was administered, Willacy said: “To the victim’s family, I hope this brings you peace. If it does, that’s good. But this is not right.”

This marked Florida’s fifth execution this year, following the death of Michael Lee King, who had raped and murdered a young mother in the state. Both men endured lengthy spells on death row prior to their executions; nearly 36 years in Willacy’s case, following his attack on Ms Sather in Palm Bay, Florida.

When Ms Sather confronted the intruder in her home, he attempted to strangle her with a telephone cord, and when that failed, he doused her in petrol and set her alight, according to records. An autopsy confirmed that Ms Sather had died from smoke inhalation, indicating she was still alive when she was set on fire.

Willacy also stole Ms Sather’s car and other belongings from her home, and used the woman’s ATM card to withdraw cash, officials said. When Ms Sather failed to return to work after her lunch break, her employer contacted her family. Her son-in-law went to check on her and discovered her body. Her killer was subsequently sentenced to death following a 9-3 jury recommendation, after being convicted of first-degree murder, burglary, robbery and arson.

Florida’s fifth execution of 2026 came after a record 19 executions in the state the previous year. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis oversaw more executions in a single year in 2025 than any other Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The previous record was set in 2014 with eight executions.

A further execution is scheduled in Florida later this month: James Ernest Hitchcock, 70, is due to receive a lethal injection on April 30. He was convicted of beating and choking his 13 year old niece to death.

The high street giant is expanding its “ReMarksable Value” range with 15 new purse-friendly products as it battles to win over families doing the weekly shop.

Shoppers will now find more than 140 items in the range, all focused on affordable staples.

And it’s not just new additions.

M&S has also cut prices on 19 everyday items, including fresh veg favourites, as reported by creatorzine.com .

Chestnut mushrooms have dropped from £1.40 to £1.30 for 300g, while leeks have been reduced from £2.20 to £1.90 for 600g.

The retailer has also added seven more products to its “Dropped & Locked” scheme – designed to keep prices lower for longer.

The move comes as M&S tries to shake off its reputation for being pricier than rivals.

All items in the ReMarksable Value range are benchmarked against competitors to ensure they stay competitive.

Bosses say the strategy is already working – with more families seeing M&S as better value than before.

Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, said: “Families want to eat well without paying more, and vegetables are at the heart of the weekly shop.

“By lowering prices on everyday veg staples, we’re making it easier for more families to shop M&S as part of their weekly shop.”

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The changes are part of a wider push to grow its food business and take on budget supermarkets.

Price cuts include:

• Sweetheart cabbage – £0.95 → £0.75 (each)
• Brussels sprouts 500g – £1.15 → £0.90
• Red chillies 75g – £1.00 → £0.65
• Red & green mixed chillies 70g – £1.00 → £0.60
• Chestnut mushrooms 300g – £1.40 → £1.30
• Carrot bag 500g – £0.55 → £0.55
• Tenderstem broccoli 200g – £2.00 → £1.75
• Leeks 600g – £2.20 → £1.90
• Garlic net (x3) – £0.90 → £0.70
• Loose ginger – £6.75/kg → £6.20/kg
• White cabbage – £1.00 → £1.00 (each)
• Loose sweet potatoes – £1.40/kg → £1.30/kg
• Red cabbage – £1.00 → £1.00 (each)
• Loose courgettes – £3.20/kg → £2.85/kg
• Courgettes 325g – £1.45 → £1.45

‘Dropped & locked’ additions:

• Tenderstem tips 125g – £1.40 → £1.25
• Organic garlic – £0.80 → £0.70
• Portobello mushrooms – £2.00 → £1.60
• Bird’s eye chilli – £1.15 → £0.75
• Organic leeks – £2.50 → £2.20
• Finger chilli – £1.30 → £0.80
• Santini tomatoes 340g – £2.75 → £1.70

DALLAS (AP) — Texas can require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms, a U.S. appeals court ruled Tuesday in a victory for conservatives who have long sought to incorporate more religion into schools.

It sets up a potential clash at the U.S. Supreme Court over the issue in the future.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals said in the decision that the law did not violate the First Amendment, which protects religious freedom and prevents the government from establishing a religion.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, called the ruling “a major victory for Texas and our moral values.”

“The Ten Commandments have had a profound impact on our nation, and it’s important that students learn from them every single day,” Paxton said.

Organizations representing the families who challenged the law, including the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement that they were “extremely disappointed” by the decision.

“The court’s ruling goes against fundamental First Amendment principles and binding U.S. Supreme Court authority. The First Amendment safeguards the separation of church and state, and the freedom of families to choose how, when and if to provide their children with religious instruction. This decision tramples those rights,” the statement said.

The law is among the pushes by Republicans, including President Donald Trump, to incorporate religion into public schools. Critics say it violates the separation of church and state while backers argue that the Ten Commandments are historical and part of the foundation of U.S. law.

The ruling, which reverses a district court’s judgment, comes after the full court heard arguments in January in the Texas case and a similar case in Louisiana. The appeals court in February cleared the way for Louisiana’s law, requiring displays of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12-6 to lift a block that a lower court first placed on the law in 2024.

Texas law took effect on Sept. 1, marking the largest attempt in the nation to hang the Ten Commandments in public schools. About two dozen school districts had been barred from posting them after federal judges issued injunctions in two cases against the law but went up in many classrooms across the state as districts paid to have the posters printed themselves or accepted donations.