WASHINGTON (AP) — King Charles III will deliver an address to Congress during his visit to Washington in late April, becoming the first British monarch to give a speech to a joint meeting of U.S. lawmakers in more than three decades.

The joint address was announced on Wednesday by congressional leaders, who said it was part of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. declaring independence from Britain. The speech also comes at a time of friction between the two nations, which have since become close allies.

President Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign policy has called into question the U.S. commitment to European allies, and Britain has declined to support the U.S. involvement in the war in Iran.

Still, congressional leaders emphasized the close relationship between the U.S. and Britain.

“The American experiment endures in no small part because of the British tradition from which it sprang,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in a letter addressed to Charles. “We believe an Address to Congress will provide a unique opportunity to share your vision for the future of our special relationship and reaffirm our alliance at this pivotal time in history.”

In Britain, some members of Parliament have called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to cancel the state visit by Charles in retaliation for Trump lashing out at them for declining to support the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Starmer decided to proceed with the state visit, which could potentially ease the tensions caused by the war.

The pomp and circumstance of state visits by the British monarch have been used for years to bolster relations with countries around the world. Queen Elizabeth II was the last British monarch to deliver a joint address to Congress, in 1991.

But some lawmakers also want to use the occasion to press forward their investigation into sexual abuse by New York financier Jeffrey Epstein. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna wrote to Charles to request a meeting between him and survivors of abuse from Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.

“I respectfully ask that you privately meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s and Ghislaine Maxwell’s abuse, so they may speak to you directly about the ways powerful individuals and institutions failed them. Survivors want this meeting,” Khanna said in the letter.

In Britain, there has been intense scrutiny of Epstein’s ties to powerful figures in the British government. Last year, Charles stripped the former Prince Andrew, his brother, of his royal titles and evicted him from his royal residence after weeks of pressure to act over his relationship with Epstein.

Some U.S. lawmakers have bemoaned the fact that the reckoning over Epstein has extended further in Britain and other parts of Europe than it has in the U.S.

Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking but has sought to be freed from her 20-year prison sentence, saying new evidence proves constitutional violations spoiled her trial.

The former Prince Andrew, now known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has repeatedly denied committing any crimes.

A man was taken to hospital with minor injuries

A BMW driver crashed their car into a garden. Cambridgeshire Police were called to a crash at the junction of Bevis Lane and Barton Road in Wisbech St Mary at around 1.16pm on Wednesday (April 1).

Officers arrived to the scene to find a white BMW had crashed into a property’s front garden. Photographs from the scene appear to show that the car had smashed through a brick wall.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers from Policing Fenland, alongside Wisbech Community Fire & Rescue Station and the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, located a white BMW that had crashed at the scene.

“A male has been taken to hospital with slight injuries. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Police are appealing for information into the crash. Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage should contact police online or call 101 and quote incident 239 of April 1.

Barton Road reopened this week after being closed for almost three years due to complex works carried out by Anglian Water.

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Lamine Yamal has criticised “racist and ignorant” chants heard during Spain’s friendly against Egypt that have led to a police investigation.

The anti-Muslim chants at the RCDE Stadium, on the outskirts of Barcelona, prompted officials to display an anti-discrimination message on a screen to people inside the ground.

The messages reminded supporters that taking part in acts of racism and xenophobia was a crime, but the chants continued.

Lamine Yamal, who started for Spain, called the chants “ignorant and racist”.

On Instagram, the player wrote: “I know it was directed at the opposing team and wasn’t personal against me, but as a Muslim, it’s still disrespectful and intolerable.”

The 18-year-old Barcelona star said he understood “not all fans are like that”, but in a message to those who chant “these things” he added: “Using a religion as a taunt on the field makes you ignorant and racist.

“Football is for enjoying and cheering, not for disrespecting people for who they are or what they believe.”

Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente strongly condemned the behaviour of some fans.

He said: “They are not representative of football. They take advantage of football, as they do in other areas of life.

“We need to isolate these people from society.

“I feel total and absolute repulsion towards any xenophobic or racist attitudes. They are intolerable.”

The Egyptian FA said in a statement: “We firmly reject and condemn such behavior, including the lack of respect shown toward the national anthem. These actions are entirely unacceptable in football stadiums and represent a negative phenomenon that must be collectively addressed and eradicated.”

It added: “What happened is completely unacceptable, and FIFA remains committed to combating racism and discrimination in football.”

The chants during Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at the home ground of La Liga club Espanyol highlighted increasing concerns about racism in Spanish football.

In a strongly-worded social media post, Spanish justice minister Felix Bolanos blamed the far right.

He wrote: “Racist insults and chants shame us as a society.

“The far right will not leave any space free of its hatred, and those who remain silent today are complicit.”

The Spanish Football Federation said it “stands against racism in football and condemns any act of violence inside stadiums”.

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Catalonia’s regional police force said it had opened an investigation into the incident.

Casemiro believes Kobbie Mainoo can remain one of the best midfielders in the world for the next 12 years for Manchester United.

Mainoo has once again established himself as a key figure in United’s midfield following Michael Carrick’s arrival in January, delivering impressive performances in wins against Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Casemiro, meanwhile, is set to leave United at the end of the season but the 34-year-old is facing calls to extend his stay at Old Trafford due to the flourishing midfield partnership he has with Mainoo.

But while Casemiro insists he will not change his mind over his decision to leave Old Trafford this summer, the Brazil international believes United will still have ‘one of the best No.8s’ in Mainoo.

‘Kobbie is the present and the future,’ Casemiro said in a Q&A with United.

‘I think that he is one of the best No.8s and can be for that for the next 12 years.

‘He is a player I really like. He always wants the ball. It is true that football can’t change your mentality but Kobbie demonstrated that he hasn’t changed his focus once.

‘He has to continue focusing like he is now and continue playing the important role he is now. But what a player he is, he is a great player.

‘He has demonstrated this, in the Euros final with England, he has demonstrated it in finals, he scored in the FA Cup [in the 2024 final win against Manchester City].

‘Kobbie is the present and the future.’

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The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world

These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, April 1.

Bristol ‘would have loved to keep’ Wales target

Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam says he would have “loved to keep” departing centre Joe Jenkins, but the club couldn’t match the offer made by Leicester Tigers.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Jenkins – who is Welsh-qualified – had signed for the Tigers ahead of next season, with head coach Geoff Parling saying he will “add a new dimension” to his side.

The 22-year-old is seen as a huge talent and is a player the Welsh Rugby Union have been monitoring for year. A former England U20s centre, he is eligible to represent Wales through his father, who is from Llanharan.

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Addressing Jenkins’ exit, Lam admitted that the player was keen to stay at Bristol and they wanted to keep him there, but ultimately couldn’t match what their PREM Rugby rivals were offering.

“Joe has been a consistently positive influence around the club, and we’ve been delighted with the way his game has developed over the past four years,” said the Bears boss. “While he’s had to contend with some unfortunate long-term injuries that have disrupted his momentum, his attitude and professionalism have never wavered.

“Joe was keen to stay, and we would have loved to keep him. However, at this stage of his career, regular game time is crucial for his continued development.

“With strong competition in our midfield – including Benhard Janse van Rensburg, James Williams, Matias Moroni and Jack Bates – as well as exciting Academy talent like England U20 Victor Worsnip and England U18 Will Moore emerging, we weren’t able to match Leicester’s counteroffer,” Lam added.

“We’re incredibly proud of what Joe has achieved here, and everyone at the club wishes him every success as he takes the next step in his journey with Leicester Tigers.”

As his departure was confirmed, Jenkins added: “This has honestly been one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. I’ve loved every minute of my time here in a really special environment. The coaching has been outstanding and has pushed me to grow so much, both on and off the field.

“The culture at the club is something I’ll always value and getting to train and play alongside such a great group of lads, as well as learning from world-class players and coaches, has been incredible. I’m hugely grateful for all the support I’ve had, and I’ll leave with nothing but great memories.

“A huge thank you to the supporters – playing at Ashton Gate in front of you all has been a massive honour and I’m grateful for the support you’ve given me.”

English side confirm tragedy

Rugby CHAMP side Bedford Blues have announced that a supporter has tragically died after being taken ill at a match over the weekend.

Jonno Garland, a long-time supporter and season ticket holder with the club, fell ill during Bedford’s clash away to Cambridge on Saturday, with the half-time break extended as paramedics attended to a “supporter taken ill in the first half”.

Now, the club has confirmed that Mr Garland has passed away, with tributes set to be paid to him ahead of their next match against Cornish Pirates on Saturday afternoon.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of long time supporter and season ticket holder, Jonno Garland following last weekend’s game,” a club statement read.

“Our thoughts are with Jonno’s wife, Sarah, his family and friends. We will observe a minute’s applause on Saturday in Jonno’s memory.”

Cambridge Rugby also paid tribute, with a club statement reading: “We are deeply saddened to have received confirmation that Jonno Garland passed away following last weekend’s match against Bedford Blues.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, we extend our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to Jonno’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

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Jenkins back for Exeter as Feyi-Waboso returns

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter will be boosted by the return of Wales star Dafydd Jenkins and England internationals Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Slade when his side face Munster in the Challenge Cup this weekend.

Jenkins had to undergo a mandatory week’s rest after taking part in Wales’ Six Nations campaign, while Slade missed last week’s win over Newcastle Red Bulls due to his wife Megan giving birth.

Feyi-Waboso, meanwhile, hasn’t played since January having injured his hamstring while training with England ahead of the Six Nations, a setback which ruled him out of the whole tournament.

“Daf’s back from his rest week after the Six Nations, Henry Slade’s back in full training and available this week following the birth of his daughter, and Manny is in full training and available now,” said Baxter as he issued an update on his squad’s availability.

“So that’s a nice addition to our back-three stocks. [Feyi-Waboso] was pretty much in full training last week. He’s in full training this week, so that makes him available to play.

“He’s a pretty switched-on young man. Things happen in rugby. You get on with it and use your down periods to improve yourself and work on the little bits you can, and try to make yourself more robust.”

The Exeter boss added: “We haven’t had a great deal of luck this season, but if we could have our little bit of luck now on injuries and get through the next few weeks with this squad intact, we could end up running into the last third of the season with our kind of strongest group players.

“And that obviously allows us to try and really put our foot down and push for what we might achieve this season because obviously the more good players, you have available, the more opportunities you have, the more options you have.”

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The ITV star is taking a break to spend more time with his family

Martin Lewis has become well known as the UK’s most trusted voice when it comes to personal finance.

Millions seek his advice on everything from energy bills to mortgage rates and he always offers his help on his regular segments on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, This Morning and his self-titled TV show.

As well as his MoneySavingExpert website and social media platforms. He has now announced that he is taking a lengthy break from his TV work as he plans to spend some time with family.

The money saving expert, 53, has decided to sign off from social media for a while but assured fans that he will be back soon.

Sharing the news with his followers, The financial expert took to X, formally known as Twitter and said: “And that’s me done. As I’ve no TV show for a few weeks.

“I’m going to take advantage and put my MoneySavingExpert hat to one side for a little bit and spend some time wearing my far brighter ‘Dad’ hat instead.”

He continued: “So I’ll be off social and work for 10 days or so. I’d be grateful if, while I’m off here, you report any scam ads using my name or image to the platform (they often increase when I’m not posting).”

Wrapping up the post, he added: “Wishing all everyone a Happy Easter or Pesach Sameach – and for everyone else, I hope you have a great time too. See you in a week or two. Martin.”

The comment section was flooded with sweet messages from fans as one wrote: “Enjoy your family time Martin.” Another said: “Enjoy your Easter break, thank you for all your help.”

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A third commented: “Enjoy your family time you deserve it.” Another said: “Enjoy your well deserved family time Martin & as always, THANK YOU for all of your advice.”

One wrote: “Peace and warmth to you and all Martin, enjoy your break.” Meanwhile one added: “Happy Easter Martin. I hope you enjoy your extended holiday with your family.”

Away from his public work, Martin is married to former weather presenter and technology journalist Lara Lewington.

Lara co-presented the BBC’s technology programme Click for over two decades before it was cancelled.

Following the show’s last episode this year, Lara transitioned to ITV’s Lorraine as the UK’s first AI Agony Aunt, offering insights into artificial intelligence and technology.

The couple share a daughter, Sapphire Susan Lewis, born in 2012. Martin often shares updates about his daughter, previously calling her “Mini Money Saving Expert.”

Kushi, a contemporary Indian restaurant in Shotley Bridge, County Durham, opened on March 30 and is already off to a strong start.

Housed on Front Street in a fully refurbished former restaurant, the business is owned by Abdul Salam, 44, whose family has deep roots in the North East’s restaurant scene.

The team at Kushi said: “Shotley Bridge, thank you.

“It’s been an incredible first two days here at Kushi and we would like to thank you all for your support!

Mr Salam’s father worked at Newcastle’s first Indian restaurant, while his uncle ran the first in Morpeth.

See inside the new restaurant here:

(Image: KUSHI)

(Image: KUSHI)

(Image: KUSHI)

(Image: KUSHI)

(Image: KUSHI)

(Image: KUSHI)

(Image: KUSHI)

Jakob Cross, 24, from Kushi, previously said: “We have fully refurbished and gutted the place.

“It is a new area for us.

“We are quite excited and looking forward to meeting everyone.”

Takeaway orders are now available for collection only, with pre-ordering advised to secure a time slot.

The meetings will take place in the assembly hall of Armadale Academy on Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, from 7pm.

Two public meetings have been organised to keep residents informed on the council’s proposals for the former Armadale swimming pool site.

The meetings will take place in the assembly hall of Armadale Academy on Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, from 7pm.

Armadale residents and other interested members of the public are invited to attend either of those two meetings, to find out more about what is being put forward and to gather the community’s views on these proposals.

The site is a “common good” property, and this means that we have a legal duty to undertake a statutory community consultation to help us understand what the community thinks about that proposal.

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At these meetings, council officers will explain what common good is; the status of the property; what the council’s proposal for the building are, and; why those proposals are being put forward.

A council spokesperson said: “The common good consultation is running until May 22, with the outcome of this consultation will be presented to Council Executive in June 2026.

“It aims to hear views on the proposed sale or lease of the North Street site, and the potential demolition of the building in the event of no viable interests being received.

“The pool has been closed since September 2023, after West Lothian Leisure informed the council that they could no longer afford to operate it.

“There are no plans to re-open the pool, but the site is still available for community use or community asset transfer if any viable requests come forward at this time.”

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Last month, a petition opposing the pool’s ‘sale, lease or demolition’ gained thousands of signatures.

Over 150 locals gathered at a meeting on Thursday, March 12, to voice their concerns over the potential loss of the pool.

Armadale residents argue future generations could be robbed of a well loved community asset.

Prior to the pool closing in September 2023, the council sought expressions of interest both from commercial and community groups who might be interested in operating the site.

Jillian Dunnigan, who started the petition to save the swimming pool has been joined by neighbours en masse to demand the pool be saved.

The petition argues the loss of the pool will have a significant impact on the community. It adds residents have faced travel barriers, increased costs, and reduced access to physical activity since its closure in 2023.

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The potential for the permanent closure of the swimming pool is at odds with a council ‘Locality Plan’ which set out to improve ‘health and wellbeing’ outcomes in the former mining town.

The council previously engaged with Armadale Thistle Football Club on community-led proposals for the property, however the club was not able to take those proposals forward.

Since 2023, the pool has not been drained. This was aimed at minimising potential costs if anyone wished in future to re-open the pool.

The council say while the operating and security costs of maintaining the pool building have been minimised, they have been incurring these costs for over two and a half years and it is not sustainable to meet these indefinitely.

Any net proceeds from the sale or lease of the property would go directly to the Armadale Common Good Fund, with community groups able to make bids into that fund through the Armadale and Blackridge Local Area Committee.

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Shaun McCarthy, 54, from Stockton, was working at a furniture supplier in Thornaby when the incident happened in May last year.

The forklift hit him, leaving him with leg fractures and severe skin injuries, leaving doctors having to amputate his right leg above the knee.

Mr McCarthy said: “The day of the incident turned my life upside down.

“I went to work as normal and everything changed in a heartbeat.”

Shaun McCarthy with his Middlesbrough-themed prosthetic leg. (Image: SHAUN MCCARTHY)

The father of five and grandad of nine was taken to James Cook University Hospital and spent more than four weeks there recovering.

The helicopter landing pad at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. (Image: NQ)

He can’t work, uses a wheelchair and has been sleeping in his living room.

Support charity Day One Trauma Support introduced Mr McCarthy to law firm Irwin Mitchell, who secured interim payments to fund specialist rehabilitation and support while his legal claim continues.

Alan Ball, a workplace accident lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Shaun suffered catastrophic injuries in the collision that will affect him and his family for the rest of their lives.

“Understandably, the last 10 months and trying to come to terms with the physical and emotional impact of what happened has been incredibly difficult for him.”

He has been going to rehabilitation in Sheffield since October 2025.

He has also been given a custom prosthetic leg and rehab equipment to help him recover and stay independent.

Shaun McCarthy with his Middlesbrough-themed prosthetic leg. (Image: SHAUN MCCARTHY)

He said: “My life has massively changed.

“I try not to dwell on things, and I want to stay positive for my children and grandchildren, but some days are hard.

“I know I still have a long way to go but I’m determined to regain more of my independence.”

Sue Hodgson, head of hospital services at Day One Trauma Support, said: “Shaun’s story highlights just how suddenly a serious injury can change lives, and the long, often complicated road to recovery that so many people face.”

This month he is sharing his story for Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month to highlight support for others with life-changing injuries.