Trump’s choice for attorney general shocks Washington

Donald Trump’s nomination of Congressman Matt Gaetz to be his attorney general arrived like a thunder-clap in Washington DC on Wednesday afternoon. Of all the president-elect’s picks for his administration so far, this is easily the most controversial – and sends a clear message that Trump intends to shake up the establishment when he returns […]
Will hydrogen energy help decarbonise the economy?

Getty Images The Hindenburg airship tragedy brought a sudden end to the age of the airship The most common of the elements is seen by some as a magic bullet for next generation energy: by others as an excuse to keep drilling for gas: and by some as a distraction from the real challenge to […]
Doves frontman Jimi Goodwin to miss whole of 2025 tour

Doves have confirmed that frontman Jimi Goodwin will not take part in their first full tour in 15 years. The indie rock band, who previously announced three gigs without him, said all of their 2025 shows would now see twin brothers Jez and Andy Williams sharing vocal duties. They said Goodwin was “stepping back from […]
Families reunite with bodies of missing British soldiers

BBC Michael Northey’s father was one of four soldiers killed in the Korean War to have been successfully identified From his wheelchair, Michael Northey watches quietly over his father’s grave, and lays a flower for the very first time. “This is the closest I’ve been to him in 70 years, which is ridiculous,” he jokes […]
Are US hunters becoming an endangered species?

Getty Images A hunter returns home with a deer on his car in 1940 Fewer and fewer Americans are taking up hunting every year, prompting some advocates to express concern for the future of the pastime, as well as the wildlife and nature conservation that hunters’ fees support, writes Jonathan Berr. Hunting has become a […]
Defence firms ‘need reassuring’ that big orders will be long-term

Saab Defence firm won a £223m order for an anti-tank missile system from the UK After years of declining defence spending in many Western countries, the war in Ukraine since 2022 has led to a huge increase. While Nato member states are not directly involved in the conflict, support for Kyiv has ramped up production […]
‘I spent 15 years as silent Nurse Tash on BBC’s Doctors’

Maria Pike Maria said her role as “the silent nurse” had been a “huge part” of her life “If there’s any budding writers that need a little blonde nurse to make the background look busy, give me a shout,” laughs Maria Pike. For almost 15 years, she has been the quiet star of the popular […]
Forest of Dean music charity ‘transforming’ lives

BBC Elissa got involved in singing and podcasting with the support of The Music Works A charity that works with disadvantaged young people to make music has opened a new recording studio. The Music Works offers mentoring to youngsters across Gloucestershire, many of whom have challenging circumstances. “I would almost say it’s been almost a […]
Charlie’s parents share ‘maximum time’ with son

Hello. Here’s your morning briefing: Charlie Gard’s parents share last moments with son PA Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London, has not said when life support will end for Charlie, who has brain damage and cannot move his arms or legs. Mr Gard and Ms Yates, from Bedfont, west London, say they want to set […]
Staffordshire firefighter honoured for 50 years of service

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Kelvin Knapper joined the fire service in 1974 A firefighter has been honoured for half a century of attending incidents across Staffordshire. Protection manager Kelvin Knapper started his career as a trainee at Burslem fire station in Stoke-on-Trent in 1974. He joined at about the same time Stoke-on-Trent, Burton-upon-Trent and […]