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PSNI to Recover Costs from Security for Good Friday Agreement Anniversary

PSNI to Recover Costs from Security for Good Friday Agreement Anniversary

The policing operation surrounding the 25th anniversary events of the Good Friday Agreement has cost £7 million, with plans to recover some of the expenses.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has announced plans to recover a portion of the £7 million spent on security measures during the 25th anniversary commemorations of the Good Friday Agreement. Following US President Joe Biden’s visit to Belfast, which included a speech at Ulster University, a major policing operation has now concluded.

The PSNI deployed 2,920 officers as part of the operation, including frontline officers, security details, and those providing close protection. This marked the largest security operation in Northern Ireland since the G8 summit in 2013. The operation saw several city centre roads closed, causing some disruption to the public.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd explained the magnitude of the operation, highlighting the extensive planning involved to ensure the safety of high-profile dignitaries, including President Biden, Prime Minister Sunak, and other key figures. In addition to local officers, 84 mutual aid officers from surrounding areas were brought in to provide specialist support.

Todd expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the public, acknowledging the challenges posed by the necessary road closures and security barriers. He stated that the total cost of the operation was estimated at £7 million, though this figure could change as the final details are reviewed. The PSNI will seek to recover some of these costs in accordance with established arrangements once the operation has concluded.

With road closures now lifted and security measures being removed, attention turns to next week’s visit by former US President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, along with Prime Minister Sunak, who will attend an international conference in Belfast to mark the anniversary of the peace agreement.

Lily Allen Reflects on Her Regret Over Matching Tattoo with Lindsay Lohan

Lily Allen Reflects on Her Regret Over Matching Tattoo with Lindsay Lohan

The singer reveals her initial excitement quickly turned to frustration after discovering the tattoo was already popularised by Rihanna.

Lily Allen has shared a memorable story from over a decade ago, revealing her one regret about the matching tattoo she got with Lindsay Lohan. Speaking on the Off Menu podcast, the “Smile” singer recounted how, after a night of heavy drinking, she and the actress snuck out of the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles at around 3 a.m. to get tattoos.

Allen explained that she had a busy promotional schedule the next day, with security stationed outside her hotel room due to her previous wild behaviour. However, Lindsay Lohan knew how to escape undetected and came to Allen’s room to take her on an impromptu adventure. The pair jumped over a fence and ran to Shamrock Tattoo Parlour on Sunset Boulevard, where they each got matching tattoos on their index fingers. Initially, the design read “Shhh,” but it was later changed to “1985” to represent Allen’s birth year.

While Allen was initially pleased with the tattoo, her feelings soured when she saw the following day’s headlines claiming she and Lohan had copied Rihanna’s tattoo. “I was really angry with Lindsay,” Allen admitted, “because she sold me the idea as an original, but it had already been done by one of the coolest pop stars.”

To make the tattoo her own, Allen later had it altered to read “1985,” though she’s unsure if Lohan knows about the change. “We haven’t really talked about it,” Allen revealed, though she mentioned that Lohan had recently reached out, wanting to rekindle their friendship. “I’m open to it,” she added.

Bridesmaids Spark Controversy After Cutting Their Dresses During Reception

Bridesmaids Spark Controversy After Cutting Their Dresses During Reception

The unexpected dress alterations have sparked a lively debate on wedding etiquette and comfort

A group of bridesmaids have ignited a heated discussion on wedding etiquette after revealing that they cut their dresses during the reception. The footage, shared on TikTok by Emma (@emma.league), shows one bridesmaid cutting a pink, floor-length gown at the slit, while another watches in apparent confusion. The video ends with the bridesmaid cutting off the bottom of the dress.

Emma, who shared the clip, explained that it was her idea to alter the dresses, highlighting the unexpected warm weather on the day of the wedding in South Carolina. “We were expecting it to be cold, but it turned out to be 80 degrees in February,” she said. “Our dresses were long-sleeved and maxi-length, so we were a bit too hot for the reception.”

Emma elaborated on why the alterations made sense for the reception, noting that it allowed the bridesmaids to dance freely without tripping over their long gowns and helped them cool off. “We had so much fun!” she added, sharing a follow-up video of the group in their newly short dresses paired with sneakers and pearls.

The TikTok video quickly went viral, amassing more than 14.1 million views. While some users were perplexed by the decision, with one commenting, “But why… just tie a knot on one side of the bottom?” others praised the bridesmaids’ creativity, with one user calling it a “clever idea” since no one would likely wear the long dresses again.

Emma clarified that the bride was fully aware of the alterations and even reacted with playful shock when she saw the shortened gowns. “She’s my best friend, super chill, and was just happy to be getting married,” Emma shared, explaining that the bride loved the dresses once they were altered.

Wedding planners, such as Marie Kubin from Rent My Wedding, have supported the trend of short bridesmaid dresses, explaining that they are more practical for dancing and can be reused for other events.

Stacey Abrams to Join Howard University Faculty as Chair for Race and Black Politics

Stacey Abrams to Join Howard University Faculty as Chair for Race and Black Politics

The political leader and advocate will contribute to shaping public policy discussions and academic initiatives at the historic institution.

Stacey Abrams, the political activist and lawyer from Georgia, will join Howard University in Washington, D.C., as the Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics starting in September. This marks a significant step in her post-election career after her unsuccessful bid for Georgia’s governorship in 2022.

Howard University, one of the leading historically Black colleges in the United States, announced that Abrams would not be a full-time faculty member but would contribute in various ways, including delivering lectures, inviting guest speakers, and hosting symposiums. Abrams will collaborate with multiple departments to focus on finding “real-world solutions” to issues affecting Black communities and other marginalised groups. While she will be based in Atlanta, her role at Howard will have a far-reaching impact on students and the wider community.

In a statement, Howard President Wayne A. I. Frederick praised Abrams for her role in safeguarding American democracy and representing the fundamental rights of all citizens. Abrams herself expressed excitement about engaging with Howard’s students, emphasising the importance of shaping public policy at this critical juncture for both American and international democracy.

Since her election loss, Abrams has remained active in various fields. She served as an international election observer in Nigeria, promoted her children’s book, “Stacey’s Remarkable Books,” and prepared for the launch of her adult book, “Rogue Justice.” Additionally, she joined Rewiring America as senior counsel to advocate for clean energy initiatives.

Despite her career’s current focus on academia and activism, Abrams has hinted at a possible return to politics. In an interview with Drew Barrymore, she indicated that she may run for office again, stating, “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.”

As a trailblazer in politics, Abrams made history in 2018 as the first Black woman to be nominated for governor by a major party. Though her future political plans remain uncertain, Georgia’s shift towards a Democratic leadership in the Senate, with Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock as U.S. senators, reflects her lasting influence.

A graduate of Spelman College, another renowned historically Black institution, Abrams has taught at the college as an adjunct professor. She has also held numerous roles, including as minority leader of the Georgia House, a voting rights advocate, an entrepreneur, and a prolific author. Over the years, Abrams has earned millions from her books and speeches, cementing her as a significant figure in both politics and literature.

The chair she will hold at Howard is named after the late Ronald W. Walters, a legendary figure in political science who taught at Howard and later directed the African American Leadership Institute at the University of Maryland. Walters was known for his pivotal role in civil rights activism and his work with the Congressional Black Caucus.

Royal Couple Delights in Local Delicacies During Visit to Malton

Royal Couple Delights in Local Delicacies During Visit to Malton

King Charles and Camilla explore Yorkshire’s culinary delights, sampling everything from gin to macarons

King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, indulged in a variety of local treats during their visit to Malton, a renowned food destination in North Yorkshire. The royal couple toured several food and drink producers at Talbot Yard Food Court on Wednesday, where they were introduced to a selection of local products, including gin, gelato, macarons, and banana bread.

Their first stop was the Rare Bird Distillery, where Charles expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Nothing more fun than a gin distillery,” as he entered the venue.

During the visit, the royal couple also explored the area’s diverse offerings, reflecting their support for local craftsmanship and food production.

Following the coronation of King Charles, it was confirmed that Camilla will hold the title of Queen Camilla, cementing her position alongside the King as he embarks on his reign.

Inquest Reveals Disabled Woman Discharged from Hospital with Unidentified Injuries

Inquest Reveals Disabled Woman Discharged from Hospital with Unidentified Injuries

Lyn Parker’s death followed a fall at a care home, with undiagnosed fractures leading to respiratory failure

An inquest has heard that Lyn Parker, a 64-year-old disabled woman, was discharged from the hospital with undiagnosed fractures, including broken ribs and a fractured arm, just hours before her death. The injuries were sustained in a fall at Tudor Avenue Residential Care Home in Hampton, London, when two care workers attempted to lift her from a wheelchair using a sling on January 15, 2021.

Parker, who was non-verbal, fell at least 1.5 metres and was left on the floor for over three hours before an ambulance arrived. She was then taken to Kingston Hospital, where her condition worsened. She died 10 days later from aspiration pneumonia, a consultant reported in the inquest.

After being discharged in the early hours of January 16, Parker returned to the hospital the same morning after a care home worker noticed that her left arm had become swollen and discoloured. Dr Sumit Dutta, who treated her at the hospital, admitted that a full trauma scan should have been performed when she was initially admitted. He acknowledged that had the scan been done, Parker would have been admitted, and her injuries might have been better addressed.

Dr Khalid Mohammed Ali, who led the internal investigation into Parker’s care, reported a missed diagnosis of fractures to her ribs and left arm. He added, however, that he believed earlier diagnosis would not have changed the outcome because Parker was extremely frail and had several underlying health conditions.

A CT scan on her second visit showed multiple rib fractures and a fracture to her left arm, which had not been detected previously. The initial medical team had failed to order an X-ray for the left arm as Parker could not communicate her pain. Dr Ali confirmed that the decision not to widen the investigation was an oversight, but he argued that it would not have altered the final outcome.

Rebekah Schiff, an independent expert in geriatric medicine, testified that Parker should not have been discharged without proper assessment. She highlighted that Parker’s rib fractures would have made breathing difficult, leading to quicker respiratory failure, which ultimately contributed to her death. Dr Schiff suggested that once Parker fractured her ribs, her death from aspiration pneumonia became inevitable.

The inquest continues, with attention on whether the care Parker received at the hospital and care home was adequate.

Julian Assange’s Wife Slams Prison’s Denial of Press Freedom Visit

Julian Assange’s Wife Slams Prison’s Denial of Press Freedom Visit

Stella Assange condemns decision to block Reporters Without Borders from meeting her husband

The wife of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has condemned the refusal to allow representatives from press freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders to meet her husband, describing it as “shameful”.

Two members of the French group were scheduled to visit Assange at HMP Belmarsh in London on Tuesday, but were blocked by prison authorities, despite having received prior approval. Assange’s wife, Stella, who was permitted to visit her husband, criticised the decision, calling it “ludicrous”.

Outside the prison gates, Stella Assange spoke passionately: “Julian’s detention here is a scandal in itself, and this morning’s refusal is yet another example of a troubling pattern.” She went on to highlight that when she and Julian married at the prison a year ago, their choice of witnesses, who were both journalists, had been rejected. “This is political persecution of a publisher who was merely doing his job,” she asserted.

Next week marks the fourth anniversary of Assange’s transfer to HMP Belmarsh from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he had sought asylum for seven years. He is currently being held as he challenges the High Court’s ruling to extradite him to the US over charges related to the leaking of military documents.

Christophe Deloire, Secretary General of Reporters Without Borders, expressed his dismay, stating: “We were granted official authorisation to visit Julian, confirmed on March 31. However, upon our arrival this morning, we were informed that our names had been removed from the visitors’ list.” He explained that the prison governor decided to deny them entry because they were journalists, despite their visit being made in a non-journalistic capacity as representatives of a non-governmental organisation.

Rebecca Vincent, Director of Operations and Campaigns at Reporters Without Borders, added: “The initial response we received claimed that intelligence had indicated we were journalists. However, I have never worked as a journalist or held a press card, and our organisation operates solely as an NGO.”

Julian and Stella Assange were married at HMP Belmarsh in March of the previous year and have since had two children. Their time together remains limited, with just a few visits per week. Stella remarked: “We cherish our moments together. When the children are with us, we try to create as much normalcy as possible.”

A spokesperson for the prison service defended the decision, stating: “The representatives from Reporters Without Borders were denied entry to HMP Belmarsh as they were deemed journalists, in accordance with prison rules. We are open to reconsidering future requests based on further information.”

Environment Secretary Under Fire for Weak Water Pollution Plan

Environment Secretary Under Fire for Weak Water Pollution Plan

Therese Coffey’s new water strategy faces criticism from campaigners and opposition MPs

Therese Coffey, the Environment Secretary, has come under intense scrutiny following the release of her government’s new water plan, with critics accusing her of having little control over her department. Launched at the London Wetlands Centre on the River Thames, Coffey’s “Plan for Water” has been dismissed by many campaigners, who argue it lacks urgency and ambition in tackling the growing issue of water pollution.

During the launch, Coffey acknowledged that sewage pollution cannot be stopped overnight and stated that any claims to the contrary would be “definitively dishonest”. This admission followed newly revealed figures showing over 300,000 sewage spills across the UK in 2022, sparking calls from opposition MPs for her resignation.

The plan outlines several key measures, including accelerating investments in water company infrastructure, tackling pollution from agricultural slurry, restricting the use of harmful chemicals in products, and implementing unlimited penalties for polluting companies. While some have praised the “holistic” approach, others feel it lacks the long-term vision needed to successfully restore and protect natural waterways.

Campaigner Feargal Sharkey criticised the plan as a “desperate” move from a government minister struggling to manage her department, suggesting that it merely represents a disorganised reaction to an industry that is not being held accountable for its actions.

Matt Browne, head of policy at Wildlife and Countryside Link, welcomed individual aspects of the plan, such as tackling plastic waste and improving chemical regulations. However, he expressed concerns about the absence of a long-term strategy for improving the health of the UK’s rivers and seas. Browne stressed that a truly comprehensive plan was needed, one that would address the root causes of pollution, such as the excessive use of chemicals and poor infrastructure.

The plan also includes measures to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals”, but Coffey has not included a statutory limit for their presence in drinking water, despite recommendations from health authorities. This has raised further concerns about the government’s commitment to ensuring safe water quality.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, stated that while a holistic approach was necessary, the success of the plan would ultimately depend on how the various initiatives are implemented and whether it genuinely reduces pollution from both agriculture and the water industry.

Kitty Thompson, from the Conservative Environment Network, acknowledged the plan’s potential to improve water quality, but noted that there is still much to be done, particularly in addressing surface water runoff and reducing nutrient pollution from housing developments.

NASA Reveals Astronauts for Artemis 2 Mission to Circle the Moon

NASA Reveals Astronauts for Artemis 2 Mission to Circle the Moon

Four astronauts named for Artemis 2 flight, marking humanity’s return to the Moon in over five decades

NASA has unveiled the crew for its Artemis 2 mission, the first to take astronauts around the Moon in more than 50 years. The crew will embark on a 10-day journey, designed to test the systems for the upcoming Artemis missions aimed at landing on the lunar surface and eventually reaching Mars.

The four astronauts selected for the mission are: Christina Hammock Koch, who will serve as the mission specialist and is the first woman to be assigned to a lunar mission; Jeremy Hansen, another mission specialist; Victor Glover, who will be the mission pilot and the first person of colour to fly on such a journey; and Reid Wiseman, the mission commander.

Koch, an experienced astronaut, has set records for the longest continuous time spent in space by a woman and participated in the first all-female spacewalk. The crew was announced by NASA’s head of flight operations, Norman D. Knight, alongside NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, at an event on Monday.

Artemis 2 is scheduled for launch as early as 2024, with the primary goal being to test the Orion spacecraft’s life-support systems and other essential technology in deep space. The mission will take the astronauts about 6,400 miles beyond the Moon, bringing them farther from Earth than any human has been since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

The spacecraft will be propelled by NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, conducting manual manoeuvres before returning to Earth using the gravitational forces of the Moon and Earth, resulting in a propulsion-free return journey. The mission will culminate in a splashdown in the ocean.

This marks a key milestone in the Artemis programme, which aims to eventually land astronauts on the Moon, including the first woman, and use lunar exploration as a stepping stone for future Mars missions. If Artemis 2 proves successful, the first crewed lunar landing in over 50 years will follow on Artemis 3, with annual crewed missions continuing thereafter.

Artemis distinguishes itself from the Apollo programme by involving commercial space companies, including SpaceX, and international space agencies from Canada, Europe, and Japan. It also signifies a major shift in NASA’s ambitions, focusing on deep space exploration after decades of operations centred around low-Earth orbit.

Jinkx Monsoon Joins Doctor Who Cast as Major Character in New Series

Jinkx Monsoon Joins Doctor Who Cast as Major Character in New Series

RuPaul’s Drag Race Champion to Star Alongside Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson in Iconic Sci-Fi Show

Jinkx Monsoon, the winner of two seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race, is set to appear in a “major role” in the upcoming series of Doctor Who, the BBC has confirmed.

The drag queen, whose real name is Jerick Hoffer, will join the cast alongside Ncuti Gatwa, who will take on the role of the new Doctor, and Millie Gibson, who will portray his companion, Ruby Sunday.

Monsoon, known for her victory in the All Stars season of Drag Race where she earned the title “Queen of Queens,” brings a unique presence to the long-running sci-fi series. This casting marks the latest addition by Russell T Davies, the writer behind Doctor Who’s successful 2005 revival, who has returned as the show’s showrunner after Chris Chibnall’s departure.

Expressing her excitement, Monsoon shared, “I’m beyond honoured and excited to join the Doctor Who family. Russell T Davies is a genius, and I can’t wait to collaborate with him and the rest of the team. Let’s just hope there’s enough space in the TARDIS for my luggage!”

Russell T Davies responded to Monsoon’s casting, saying, “Amidst a galaxy of stars, Jinkx Monsoon shines the brightest. Her arrival marks a game-changing moment for Doctor Who, and the show will never be the same.”

Monsoon’s role in Doctor Who comes after her sell-out performances as Matron “Mama” Morton in the Broadway production of Chicago, becoming the first drag queen to take on the role. Her career has spanned music, acting, and cabaret, including successful global tours with her musical partner Major Scales.

The drag artist has also appeared in several TV projects, such as CBS’s Blue Bloods and Netflix’s AJ And The Queen.

Her casting has been met with excitement from fellow Drag Race alumni, including Tia Kofi, who tweeted “Such incredible news!!!,” while the official Drag Race account congratulated her.

Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary special episodes will air in November 2023, featuring David Tennant as the fourteenth Doctor, followed by Ncuti Gatwa’s debut as the fifteenth Doctor during the festive period.

Millie Gibson, at 18 years old, will make history as the youngest companion in Doctor Who’s history.