John Swinney

Lib Dems rule out SNP coalition but offer budget support

Trump removes Scotch whisky tariffs after royal visit

Plane crash kills Greg Biffle and six others

On December 18, a Cessna Citation II crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, killing Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their children Emma and Ryder, Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth.

Kim Jong Un backs China's multipolar world vision

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un voiced support for China's push to build a 'multipolar world' and reaffirmed his commitment to the one-China principle during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Pyongyang, state media reported.

Silent liver disease affects one in five UK adults

Around one in five adults in the UK have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition that often develops silently with no obvious symptoms in its early stages, according to the British Liver Trust. Prevalence has increased 150% since 1990, and one in ten children is now thought to have early signs of the disease.

The Onion proposes to take over Alex Jones' Infowars platforms

The satirical news outlet The Onion has submitted a proposal to take over the Infowars platforms of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. The plan would grant The Onion an exclusive, temporary license to the intellectual property of Infowars' parent company, Free Speech Systems, and allow it to put its own content on the Infowars website and social media accounts.

Poland bans Russian divers from 2027 European event

Poland will not allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete at the European Diving Championships scheduled for 2027, the Polish Swimming Federation has announced, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Iran's Internet Blackout Enters 38th Day, Severing Global Links

Iran is experiencing its longest nationwide internet shutdown since the Arab Spring, with connectivity reduced to around 1% of normal levels for over 38 days following US-Israel strikes in late February 2026. The blackout has forced most citizens onto a government-monitored domestic network, crippled the economy, and isolated the population from global information.

Child sexual offences rise for third consecutive year

The number of children committing sexual offences is on the rise, with proven offences increasing for the third consecutive year, according to the Youth Justice Board. In 2025, such offences rose by 6%, and the proportion of children arrested for sexual offences reached 7%, up from 5% in 2024.

Northern Norway Seeks Police Helicopters Amid Airport Issues

Police and politicians in Northern Norway are pushing for dedicated police helicopters to boost emergency preparedness, while Tromsø Airport faces capacity challenges. The Lofoten region has also requested an emergency meeting over air service concerns.

Umeå Closes Childcare for Four Weeks in Summer 2026

Municipal preschools, pedagogical care, and leisure-time centers in Umeå will be closed during weeks 28–31 from July 6 to July 31, 2026. For children whose custodians work or study during this period, the municipality will offer summer-open activities at a number of units.

Contestant Sarah North disputes rule call on Ant and Dec's show

A contestant named Sarah North sparked controversy on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway by using the word 'traffic' while describing a traffic cone in the Banned Words game, leading hosts to rule it a violation. She argued her case but ultimately won £500, missing out on a holiday prize.

Courtney Lawes returns to Premiership with Sale Sharks after French stint

Courtney Lawes is returning to the Premiership after two years at French club Brive, with reports indicating he has joined Sale Sharks. The veteran forward has also come out of international retirement and aims to play for England again.

Midlothian Council implements 500% second-home tax premium

Midlothian Council has introduced a graduated premium system for second homes with rates up to 500%, while Edinburgh Council suspended its own 300% premium after eight days. The policies aim to generate revenue and boost housing supply under new Scottish powers.

Teenage girl dies after e-bike fall in Corby

A 13-year-old girl has died after falling from an e-bike in Corby town centre on April 7. She sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at hospital.

Norwegian hospital fined 700,000 NOK over patient death

University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) has been fined 700,000 Norwegian kroner after a patient died due to a medication error at the hospital in Tromsø in 2023.

EU Unveils New Strategy to Combat Growing Forest Fire Threat

The European Commission published a new strategy on March 25 to strengthen member states' work against increasingly extensive and frequent forest fires through a unified framework for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Halmstad builds sustainable high school with reused materials

Halmstad municipality is constructing a new sustainable high school at Kristinehed, reusing parts from a demolished gallery in Kristianstad. The project aims to minimize climate impact within a 488 million kronor budget, with operations set to begin in autumn 2028.

Julian Caillon Survives Strictly Cast Cull

Julian Caillon has reportedly survived a Strictly Come Dancing cast cull and is set to stay on the lineup for the next series. He joined the show last year and reached the semi-finals with EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal.

Beatrice and Edoardo's Marriage Strained by Epstein Scandal

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi face marital strain as Edoardo distances himself from the Epstein scandal fallout and focuses on U.S. business trips, following Prince Andrew's arrest.

Myanmar appoints Min Aung Hlaing president after sham election

Myanmar has appointed former junta leader Min Aung Hlaing as president after a general election widely condemned as a sham, solidifying military rule under a civilian facade. The parliament, dominated by loyalists, convened on Monday to nominate him alongside two unlikely contenders, ensuring his selection.

Emergency incident and train fault cause major rail disruptions across Scotland

Emergency services are dealing with an incident between Perth and Stirling, disrupting many routes into Glasgow Queen Street station, while a separate train fault at Gleneagles has halted services from Perth towards Glasgow. In Sydney, an incident at Parramatta station has triggered delays across the western network.