Pippa Crerar is joined by the election analyst Prof Rob Ford to look at the upcoming local and devolved elections. Will Reform dominate across England? Can the Greens remove Labour’s longstanding hold over London? And will the nationalists win in Scotland and Wales? Continue reading...
Australian PM Anthony Albanese has apologised "unequivocally" for comments made about popstar Kylie Minogue on a podcast. Asked to place Minogue, Nicole Kidman, and Rhonda Burchmore in a "shag, marry or date" game, Albanese said "Oh, Kylie, clearly," and "All of the above."
Chinese start-ups are leveraging manufacturing advantages and government support for 'embodied AI' to develop highly dextrous robotic hands, aiming to transform humanoid robots from novelties into practical tools. This focus addresses the significant engineering challenge of replicating human hand capabilities, which is seen as crucial for unlocking future economic potential amidst an aging workforce.
An independent review has found UK police leadership lacks consistent high standards, recommending a fundamental overhaul of recruitment and promotion processes. Low morale and a scarcity of resources are also highlighted, with calls for a new National Academy of Police Leadership.
The once-daily Wegovy weight loss pill, containing semaglutide, is now available privately in the UK, though not yet on the NHS. It works similarly to the injectable version by mimicking a gut hormone to reduce appetite and increase fullness, requiring a BMI of 30+ or 27-30 with weight-related conditions. Strict guidelines apply for taking the pill on an empty stomach, and costs range from £99 to £199 per month.
Fifa's decision to overturn Florian Balogun's red card, allowing him to play against Belgium, has sparked controversy and unanswered questions. The move deviates from standard World Cup regulations and past precedents, leading to accusations of political interference and unfairness.
A government-backed report found "nepotism and bias" in UK police leadership, with many senior officers losing focus on fighting crime. The inquiry highlighted systemic issues, inconsistent capability, and a broken professional culture, leading to calls for significant reform and a new national police leadership academy.
