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Government Announces Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales to Under-18s with New Vape Enforcement Squads

Government Announces Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales to Under-18s with New Vape Enforcement Squads

Ministers plan to launch illicit vape enforcement squads to remove illegal products from shops and borders, with a focus on curbing youth vaping.

The UK government is set to tackle the rising issue of underage vaping with the introduction of “illicit vapes enforcement squads.” These dedicated teams will focus on illegal sales of e-cigarettes to young people, conducting test purchases, sharing intelligence across regions, and collaborating with local authorities.

The squads will be empowered to remove illegal products from both shops and borders, aiming to prevent businesses from selling vapes to children. The initiative, outlined by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), comes in response to concerns over the increasing use of disposable vaping products among teenagers.

Health Minister Neil O’Brien stressed that while vaping is a safer alternative for adults looking to quit smoking, the government is deeply concerned about its rising popularity among minors. He emphasised that the squads would target businesses flouting the law and ensuring that young people are not exposed to nicotine.

The DHSC also plans to launch a call for evidence, seeking public input on further measures to reduce youth vaping. This move aligns with the government’s broader ambition to achieve a smoke-free society by 2030.

Mr O’Brien is expected to announce the initiative in a speech at Policy Exchange on Tuesday, with both the Conservative and Labour parties prioritising crime reduction in their campaigns for the upcoming local elections.

Republican Protestors Plan ‘Light-Hearted’ Demonstration at King’s Coronation

Republican Protestors Plan ‘Light-Hearted’ Demonstration at King’s Coronation

Around 30 protestors chanted ‘not my King’ during Charles and Camilla’s visit to York Minster, with plans for a larger protest at the coronation.

A group of republican demonstrators gathered outside York Minster on Thursday to voice their opposition to King Charles, chanting “not my King” as the royal couple arrived for the Royal Maundy service. The protesters, numbering around 30, were vastly outnumbered by the thousands of royal supporters and a heavy police presence.

Graham Smith, CEO of the republican group Republic, spoke about their plans for a larger demonstration at the King’s coronation, estimating that over 1,000 people would participate. Despite the large turnout, Smith promised that the protest would remain “fairly light-hearted,” aiming to create a fun, party-like atmosphere along the procession route.

The protestors plan to make their presence “unmissable,” with placards and chants calling for an election rather than a hereditary monarchy. Smith said they would continue their campaign beyond the coronation, challenging the concept of a head of state determined by succession, advocating for the right to choose a leader through an election instead.

While their protest received a mixed response in York, with many royal supporters voicing opposition, Smith emphasised the right to demonstrate in a free country. He acknowledged that the majority of people gathered outside York Minster disagreed with their stance but stood firm in their message.

California Reservoirs Replenished After Historic Storms: A Dramatic Turnaround

California Reservoirs Replenished After Historic Storms: A Dramatic Turnaround

Record rainfall and snowstorms end the state’s severe drought, but flooding risks remain.

An extraordinary series of storms has dramatically reversed California’s severe drought, replenishing the state’s reservoirs with record levels of rain and snow. Just months ago, key reservoirs faced dangerously low water levels, with scenes of cracked, dry land where boat docks once stood, and cars driving through what should have been a submerged Folsom Lake. But now, thanks to a series of powerful atmospheric rivers, 12 of California’s 17 major reservoirs are filled beyond their historical averages for the spring.

Notable among these are Folsom Lake and Lake Oroville, the latter housing the tallest dam in the U.S. This marks a remarkable recovery from late last year when nearly all of California was in drought, including regions suffering from extreme conditions. Farmers left fields fallow, wells ran dry, and cities imposed strict watering restrictions. But since December, the state has experienced the opposite extreme, with up to 700 inches of snow in the Sierra Nevada, and the driest years on record quickly giving way to the wettest weeks in history.

The sudden shift from drought to surplus has had a significant hydrological impact, with Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources, noting that the state is no longer in a drought, aside from some small regions. However, the new challenge lies in managing the floodwaters. Some reservoirs are so full that water is being released to make room for storm runoff and snowmelt, which could cause flooding in the spring and summer, especially in the Sierra foothills and Central Valley.

The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada is now one of the largest on record, with its water content at 239% of the usual average, which could lead to dangerous snowmelt flooding. Water managers are already releasing water from Oroville Dam, which had to undergo repairs after a 2017 failure, to manage this potential overflow.

In stark contrast to 2021, when Lake Oroville’s water levels had dropped so low that its hydroelectric dam ceased operating, the lake’s water levels now stand 230 feet higher, making recreational activities more accessible. With reservoirs across the state holding abundant water, Governor Gavin Newsom has lifted some water restrictions, but he has yet to declare the drought officially over, particularly in areas still dependent on the struggling Colorado River.

The surge in water supplies is expected to benefit cities and farms across California, but state officials warn that this could be a temporary relief. Climate change means the state could face future cycles of severe drought, and residents must continue to use water efficiently. Nemeth emphasised the importance of adopting conservation practices, stating that while one wet year has helped, dry conditions are likely to return with even greater intensity.

Trump Judge Receives Numerous Threats Following Arraignment

Trump Judge Receives Numerous Threats Following Arraignment

Security increased after Trump’s vocal criticism of the judge and district attorney

Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the Manhattan case involving former President Donald Trump’s alleged hush money payments, has received a wave of threats following Trump’s arraignment on Tuesday. According to NBC News, the threats, which have come in the form of letters, phone calls, and emails, have caused concern for the safety of Judge Merchan and other officials involved in the case.

The New York Police Department has stepped up security, providing extra protection for both Judge Merchan and District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office has also faced similar threats since the grand jury indictment was announced. The threats are believed to have escalated following Trump’s public criticisms of both the judge and Bragg during a speech he gave after his arraignment.

In the speech, Trump accused Judge Merchan of bias, claiming that the judge’s family, including his daughter who worked for Vice President Kamala Harris, reflected a personal animosity toward him. He also criticised Bragg, alleging that the district attorney had illegally leaked grand jury information and should either be prosecuted or resign.

The situation intensified when Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., posted a photo of Judge Merchan’s daughter on social media, despite the judge previously instructing the former president to refrain from making posts that could stoke tension. This has raised concerns about the safety and integrity of the legal process.

Tector’s Half-Century Helps Ireland Settle on 214 in Test Against Bangladesh

Tector’s Half-Century Helps Ireland Settle on 214 in Test Against Bangladesh

Early wickets give Ireland a solid edge after Day One in Dhaka

In their first Test match in almost four years, Ireland posted a total of 214 runs on the opening day against Bangladesh in Dhaka. The visitors, who last played a Test match in 2019, found themselves losing wickets regularly but were lifted by an impressive 50-run knock from debutant Harry Tector.

Ireland, who featured six debutants, including Ben White, endured a tough time at the crease, with Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam claiming five wickets for 58 runs, dismissing Ireland in the 78th over. Despite this, Tector’s steady batting and a crucial 74-run partnership with Curtis Campher (34) were key moments of the innings.

Bangladesh, in reply, faced just 10 overs before stumps and lost both their openers. Mark Adair struck early in his first over, dismissing Najmul Shanto, while Andy McBrine took the final wicket of the day, sending Tamim Iqbal back to the pavilion. At the close of play, Bangladesh were 34 for 2, still trailing by 180 runs.

After winning the toss, Ireland opted to bat but struggled with the absence of Paul Stirling. The opening pair of James McCollum and Murray Commins did not stay long, while captain Andy Balbirnie was dismissed lbw for 16. Tector and Campher, however, fought back to steady the ship, with Tector marking his debut with a half-century before he was dismissed for 50 by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

The lower order could not build much on the total, with PJ Moor and Campher both falling before Lorcan Tucker’s 37 and Mark Adair’s quickfire 32 lifted the team past 200. Ireland then responded strongly with the ball, reducing Bangladesh to 34 for 2 by the close. Adair struck early, and McBrine’s timely wicket left Bangladesh in a difficult position.

With day two looming, Ireland will be keen to press their advantage and add pressure on the hosts.

Mother Found Guilty of Causing or Allowing Death of 2-Year-Old Daughter

Mother Found Guilty of Causing or Allowing Death of 2-Year-Old Daughter

Sinead James Convicted After Her Daughter Lola’s Tragic Death Following Brutal Attack

Sinead James, a mother of three, has been found guilty of causing or allowing the death of her two-year-old daughter, Lola, following a brutal and frenzied attack by her boyfriend, Kyle Bevan. The conviction comes after a harrowing trial at Swansea Crown Court, where chilling audio recordings of emergency calls and video evidence painted a disturbing picture of Lola’s final moments.

The tragic incident occurred on July 17, 2020, when Lola was found injured and unconscious at the family home in Haverfordwest. James made a panicked 999 call in which she described Lola as unresponsive with bruising to her head and face. As she sobbed down the phone, she told the operator, “I’m really scared,” as she explained how Lola had supposedly fallen down the stairs after being knocked by the family dog.

However, the prosecution argued that Lola had been subjected to a violent attack by Bevan just hours before the 999 call, leaving her with catastrophic brain damage. She died four days later in hospital. Bevan, 31, was found guilty of murder, having initially claimed that Lola’s injuries were caused by a fall. He had made attempts to cover up his actions, including sending disturbing photos of Lola’s injuries to his mother before seeking help.

During the trial, it was revealed that Bevan had filmed Lola in a distressed and unconscious state, failing to alert emergency services immediately. In the disturbing footage, Lola can be seen limp and unresponsive, with Bevan’s voice heard saying, “No. She’s gone. She’s gone.” He had previously searched the internet for information about head injuries before contacting his mother for help.

James initially believed Bevan’s account of the events, but later began to doubt his version of the story during police interviews, after being shown evidence of the injuries. Although she had been asleep at the time of the attack, her failure to act upon the disturbing signs of Lola’s condition contributed to the tragic outcome.

The case also involved testimony from Bevan’s mother, Alison Bevan, who made a 999 call to emergency services at 7:29 am, stating that Lola had fallen down the stairs and was unconscious. She later confirmed she was not at the scene but had been informed by her son to call for an ambulance after receiving images of Lola’s injuries.

The evidence presented in court, including the video and the 999 calls, painted a chilling picture of neglect and violence. Bevan’s attempts to cover up the abuse, combined with James’s failure to intervene, culminated in the death of a defenseless child. Both James and Bevan now face the consequences of their actions, with James convicted of causing or allowing the death of her daughter and Bevan convicted of murder.

The case highlights the devastating impact of domestic abuse and neglect on children, as well as the tragic consequences of a failure to protect vulnerable individuals.

South African Protestors Demand Rejection of Uganda’s Anti-LGBTQ Bill

South African Protestors Demand Rejection of Uganda’s Anti-LGBTQ Bill

Hundreds Gather Outside Uganda High Commission to Call on President Museveni to Veto Legislation

In a powerful demonstration on Tuesday, over 200 protesters gathered outside the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, to express their opposition to a recently passed anti-LGBTQ bill in Uganda. The protest, led by South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, was a response to the harsh legislation which criminalises LGBTQ rights and imposes severe penalties, including the death sentence for “aggravated homosexuality.”

The bill, which has been overwhelmingly supported by Uganda’s parliament, defines aggravated homosexuality as acts involving minors, people living with HIV, or vulnerable individuals. The legislation also proposes up to 20 years in prison for those who promote LGBTQ rights. Despite parliamentary support, President Yoweri Museveni has the power to veto the bill, prompting protestors to call on him not to sign it into law.

LGBTQ activists, including Ugandan queer activist Papa De, participated in the protest to stand in solidarity with those back home, who fear arrest or violence for speaking out against the bill. De, speaking to the press, expressed the fear faced by LGBTQ individuals in Uganda, stating, “They are preaching hate crimes and genocide against our queer bodies, but we are human first. So, yes, I am scared because my family is still back in Uganda.”

Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, spoke directly to the protesters, warning Museveni that the bill could be used as a political weapon to suppress opposition. “If Museveni knows what is good for him, he will not sign it into law,” Malema asserted. He also highlighted Uganda’s ongoing issues with political repression, saying the government should leave LGBTQ individuals alone, as their identities are not a threat to anyone.

The demonstration highlights growing concerns about the increasing criminalisation of LGBTQ communities in Africa and calls for international pressure to protect the rights and safety of LGBTQ individuals in Uganda.

Home Secretary Rejects Claims that Dover Delays and Traffic Gridlock Will Become Commonplace

Home Secretary Rejects Claims that Dover Delays and Traffic Gridlock Will Become Commonplace

Suella Braverman Insists Post-Brexit Checks Are Not the Cause of Easter Border Chaos

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has denied that the long delays and traffic gridlock at the Port of Dover will be a regular occurrence, following the chaotic scenes of 14-hour queues faced by Easter holidaymakers trying to cross the border into France.

Speaking in response to criticism, Braverman dismissed suggestions that the post-Brexit passport checks were responsible for the congestion, calling it “unfair” to attribute the disruption solely to the new border controls. Despite the turmoil faced by holidaymakers, she insisted that in general, border operations have been running smoothly.

Braverman stated that she does not expect such delays to become a frequent issue, adding, “This is not the state of affairs we are looking to continue going forward.” The comments come amid widespread frustration at the long wait times and heavy traffic experienced by travellers at Dover during the busy Easter period.

Court Orders New Trial for Man Convicted in Chicago Honor Student’s Death

Court Orders New Trial for Man Convicted in Chicago Honor Student’s Death

Appeals Court Rules Confession Extracted from Micheail Ward Was Inadmissible

A state appeals court has ordered a new trial for Micheail Ward, the man convicted in the shooting death of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago honor student who was killed just days after performing at Barack Obama’s 2013 presidential inauguration.

Ward was sentenced to 84 years in prison in 2019 after being found guilty in connection with Pendleton’s death. However, the 1st District Appellate Court ruled on Friday that Ward’s confession, made during a 12-hour police interrogation, was inadmissible. The court found that detectives improperly extracted the confession after Ward had invoked his right to remain silent multiple times.

The confession was key to the prosecution’s case, as no physical evidence or weapon linked Ward to the crime. The court highlighted that one of the detectives involved in Ward’s interrogation, John Halloran, had previously secured confessions from other suspects who were later exonerated by DNA evidence.

With the confession ruled inadmissible, the prosecution’s case now hinges on witness testimony, including statements from Ward’s friends, who claimed Ward and his accomplice Kenneth Williams were involved in the shooting and made incriminating remarks afterward. It is unclear whether prosecutors will pursue a retrial, with a spokesperson for Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx stating that the matter is under review.

Pendleton was killed in January 2013 while walking home from school. She was shot in the back as she attempted to flee a gang-related shooting in North Kenwood, a Chicago neighborhood. Her death sparked national outrage and became a symbol of the city’s ongoing gun violence crisis.

Pendleton had performed at the inauguration as part of her school’s band, and her tragic death occurred just days later. Her story resonated deeply, drawing attention to Chicago’s issues with gun violence, and was further highlighted when Michelle Obama attended Pendleton’s funeral.

Ward’s co-defendant, Williams, was convicted of first-degree murder in 2021 and sentenced to 42 years in prison. His appeal is currently pending. Pendleton’s mother, Cleo Cowley-Pendleton, expressed her devastation at the appellate court’s ruling, feeling disappointed by the decision.

Inquest into Kingsmill Massacre Delivers Emotional Final Submissions

Inquest into Kingsmill Massacre Delivers Emotional Final Submissions

Families of Victims Call for Immediate Closure on 47-Year-Old Case

The long-awaited inquest into the deaths of ten Protestant men in the Kingsmill massacre, carried out by the IRA in 1976, concluded its final submissions on Friday. For the victims’ families, the lengthy process has been described as both “painful” and “frustrating.”

Held at Dungannon Courthouse, the inquest has been running for over seven years, with the proceedings first ordered by the attorney general a decade ago. Fiona Doherty KC, who represents several families of the victims, expressed their deep frustration at the delay in bringing the case to a conclusion, stressing that there should be no further setbacks in finalising the findings.

The massacre, which took place on January 5, 1976, in County Armagh, saw 10 men shot dead after being ordered from a minibus by the IRA. The assailants spared one man, Richard Hughes, due to his Catholic faith, while Alan Black, the only survivor, was left with 18 gunshot wounds.

The families of the victims have been particularly disturbed by the police investigation into the massacre, which, according to Doherty, was marred by significant errors. One such mistake was the failure to match a palm print found on the getaway van to a suspect until after the inquest had already commenced in 2016. Despite a new police inquiry, no charges have been brought against those responsible for the killings.

Coroner Brian Sherrard noted that the IRA, along with the wider republican movement, had failed to provide any assistance or evidence during the proceedings. Sherrard indicated that the lack of participation from those involved in the attack could influence the final conclusions drawn from the case.

As the families await closure on this tragic event, the inquest has been a long and painful journey, with the hope that the coroner’s findings will now finally shed light on the truth behind the massacre.