UK News
Florida governor Ron DeSantis signs state’s new congressional map into law – live | Trump administration
DeSantis signs Florida’s new congressional map into law
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has announced that he has signed into law the state’s new congressional map, which could deliver the GOP an additional four US House seats in November’s midterm elections.
“Signed, Sealed, and Delivered,” DeSantis said in a post on X, with a map of the new districts attached.
With it, Florida becomes the latest state to adopt redrawn districts since Donald Trump urged Texas Republicans to redraw their state’s map to favor the GOP last year, sparking a nationwide redistricting battle.
Florida’s new House map aims to boost its GOP congressional delegation from 20 to 24 seats, while reducing Democrats’ eight seats to four.
Key events
Trump once again boasted about his ability to pass cognitive tests designed to detect dementia and mental deterioration. A couple of days ago, he repeated these comments in a speech at a retirement community in Florida. He also went on to insult Gavin Newsom, calling him “stupid”.
His remarks come after calls from lawmakers, including Democratic representative Jamie Raskin, for him to take another cognitive test and publicly release the results.
In an interview with journalist Jim Acosta, former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb called the president “clearly insane” in late March.
Trump also, misleadingly, claims that inflation under his predecessor Joe Biden was the “worst” it has ever been.
Actually, at the end of Biden’s sole term in office, inflation hovered around 2.9% – down from a peak of 9.1% in June 2023.
The latest consumer price index data shows that inflation, under Trump, now sits at 3.3%.
As Donald Trump begins his remarks in the East Room, he repeats claims that US forces have decimated Iran’s capabilities.
“They have no navy, they have no air force,” the president said. “They have no radar. They have no nothing.”
Democrats welcome temporary supreme court ruling that restores access to abortion pills, but note ‘fight is just beginning’
In response to the supreme court’s decision to restore mail access to mifepristone, one of the two-drug regimen needed for medication abortion, Democrats welcomed the news, but noted this is part of a wider fight to further undermine safe and effective access to reproductive healthcare.
“This fight is just beginning,” said Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat. “We will stop at nothing to prevent the Republicans from putting a national abortion ban into effect.”
Since the 2022 Dobbs decision, anti-abortion groups have attempted to limit access to abortion pills, mifepristone and misoprostol, now the most common method to terminate pregnancies in the US.
“I urge the Court to move swiftly to permanently protect access to this critical medication for women,” said Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada.
“As this case proceeds, we must continue to fight back against Republican efforts to try to ban abortion nationwide,” said Democratic representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington state.
Donald Trump is due to speak shortly at a small business summit at the White House. We’ll bring you the latest lines, particularly keeping an ear out for any lines about the ongoing talks in Iran, particularly after the news that the US military destroyed six Iranian small boats amid the naval blockade in the strait of Hormuz.
Here’s a recap of the day so far
-
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has announced that he has signed into law the state’s new congressional map, which could deliver the GOP an additional four US House seats in November’s midterm elections. “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered,” DeSantis said in a post on X, with a map of the new districts attached.
-
The supreme court issued a temporary order to restore access to the abortion pill mifepristone by mail on Monday. This comes after two companies who manufacture mifepristone the drug filed an emergency appeal to the court on Saturday asking it to halt a court decision that would require an in‑person exam before the medication can be prescribed. In a one-page order by justice Samuel Alito, the court stayed the fifth circuit’s decision until 11 May, giving the court more time to hear both sides before making a decision.
-
During Cole Tomas Allen’s hearing in Washington today, Judge Zia M Faruqui questioned why the suspect had been subjected to such harsh conditions in the DC jail, namely solitary confinement, while detained. Ahead of the latest hearing for the suspect in the White House press gala shooting last month, his lawyers wrote to the magistrate judge to note that Allen had been removed from suicide watch and issued a motion to vacate Monday’s hearing.
-
Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, will travel to Rome this week to visit Pope Leo XIV, as the Trump administration’s relationship with the Vatican remains strained. The state department said in a statement that the meeting will be “to advance bilateral relations with Italy and the Vatican”.
-
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was hospitalized with pneumonia and remains in critical but stable condition, “is now breathing on his own”, according to his spokesperson, Ted Goodman. The infection had overwhelmed Giuliani – who Goodman said had been diagnosed with restrictive airway disease in the wake of the 9/11 attacks – and he had required a ventilator to breathe. “He is now breathing on his own, with his family and primary medical provider at his side,” Goodman said.
Trump says Iran will be ‘blown off the face of the Earth’ if they attack US vessels
In an interview with Fox News, Donald Trump said that Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if they attack US vessels in the strait of Hormuz, while the naval blockade continues.
The president called the blockade “one of the greatest military maneuvers ever done” and that Tehran has become “much more malleable” during recent talks.
This comes after US Central Command (Centcom), said on Monday that it had destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones fired at ships and commercial vessels being “protected” by the US military in the strait of Hormuz.
During Cole Tomas Allen’s hearing in Washington today, Judge Zia M Faruqui questioned why the suspect had been subjected to such harsh conditions in the DC jail, namely solitary confinement, while detained. According to reporters in the courtroom, the magistrate judge noted that January 6 defendants appeared to receive better treatment.
“Pardons may erase convictions but they do not erase history,” Faruqui said, while noting that Allen was enduring “vastly different” treatment compared with others who allegedly tried to attack “elected officials based on their political beliefs”.
DeSantis signs Florida’s new congressional map into law
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has announced that he has signed into law the state’s new congressional map, which could deliver the GOP an additional four US House seats in November’s midterm elections.
“Signed, Sealed, and Delivered,” DeSantis said in a post on X, with a map of the new districts attached.
With it, Florida becomes the latest state to adopt redrawn districts since Donald Trump urged Texas Republicans to redraw their state’s map to favor the GOP last year, sparking a nationwide redistricting battle.
Florida’s new House map aims to boost its GOP congressional delegation from 20 to 24 seats, while reducing Democrats’ eight seats to four.
Rudy Giuliani ‘now breathing on his own’ after being hospitalized with pneumonia, spokesman says
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was hospitalized with pneumonia and remains in critical but stable condition, “is now breathing on his own”, according to his spokesperson, Ted Goodman.
The viral lung infection had “quickly overwhelmed” Giuliani – who Goodman said had been diagnosed with restrictive airway disease in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, adding “complications to any respiratory illness” – and he had required a ventilator to breathe.
“He is now breathing on his own, with his family and primary medical provider at his side,” Goodman said. “Mayor Giuliani is the ultimate fighter – as he has demonstrated throughout his life – and he is winning this battle … Please keep the prayers coming.”
Goodman announced yesterday that Guiliani, 81, had been hospitalized in Florida, but did not say why, and it remains unclear when he was first admitted to hospital.
In a post on Truth Social yesterday, Donald Trump, called his former personal attorney a “True Warrior, and the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR” – before making it about himself, by perpetuating his lie about the 2020 election.
“They cheated on the Elections, fabricated hundreds of stories, did anything possible to destroy our Nation, and now, look at Rudy. So sad!” he said.
Giuliani hosted his online show, America’s Mayor Live, on Friday night from Florida, but said his voice was “a little under the weather”.
As mayor of New York City he garnered acclaim for his response to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, earning the nickname “America’s mayor”.
He later worked as an attorney for Trump in his failed efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, an effort that led to criminal charges against Giuliani in two US states and a defamation lawsuit from election workers. Giuliani has denied wrongdoing in the criminal cases. Trump pardoned Giuliani after he faced criminal charges for his efforts to help try to overturn the 2020 election.
He was also hospitalized last year after a car crash in New Hampshire left him with injuries including a spinal fracture.
Cole Tomas Allen removed from suicide watch
Ahead of the latest hearing for Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect in the White House press gala shooting last month, his lawyers wrote to the magistrate judge to note that Allen had been removed from suicide watch and issued a motion to vacate Monday’s hearing.
However, the court denied the motion. Instead, Judge Zia M Faruqui said he had “grave concerns” about Allen’s “seemingly unprompted solitary confinement for days and overall conditions of confinement”. The hearing is due to start shortly.
UK News
Edinburgh airport reopens after security alert but passengers warned of ‘knock on’ effect | Scotland
Edinburgh airport reopened on Saturday morning after parts of the terminal building were evacuated on Friday night because of a security alert.
An explosive ordnance disposal team was sent to the airport to investigate what Police Scotland described as a “potentially suspicious package” discovered at about 6.50pm on Friday.
An evacuation was ordered and a police cordon was set up, with roads closed.
Passengers faced disruption as result of the operation and the airport warned that schedules would continue to be affected on Saturday.
In a statement at about 3am on Saturday, the airport confirmed it had reopened and would work to restore normal services as quickly as possible.
“Following investigations by specialist teams, the airport has now reopened.
“This incident will have knock-on impacts throughout today and staff are working hard to address these and support passengers.
“Operational teams are continuing to work to restore normal services as quickly as possible.
“Please check with your airline for the latest information on your flight.”
The statement did not provide an update about the examination of the suspicious package.
From Glasgow to Salford, smaller, unique events are celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Source link
Key events
4 mins: Just minutes after scoring, Galarza receives the first yellow card of the match after careening into Yunus Akgun.
2 mins: Matias Galarza was brought into the starting XI for Paraguay and it’s paid off immediately. The midfielder picks up a ball and takes a step into space near the top of Turkey’s penalty area before rocketing a low shot into the bottom corner. Incredible opening moments.
GOAL! Paraguay 1-0 Turkey (Galarza 1)
It’s the fastest goal in the World Cup so far!
Kick-off!
Centre referee Ivan Barton toots his whistle and we’re underway.
And for those keen-eyed viewers who have noticed an unusual amount of hot-pink boots across the World Cup so far, including a bunch of players about to make their way out onto the grass for the anthems, here’s a great yarn from Lauren Cochrane about why.
Plenty of fans are flooding into San Fransisco Bay Area Stadium for today’s final match, which is sitting at a gorgeous 19 degrees C (67 degrees F) and clear skies. A perfect evening for football, which hopefully delivers much more focused and effective performances from both sides compared to their opening games.
Meanwhile, Brazil have held onto their 3-0 lead against Haiti to claim top spot in Group C, though it wasn’t as convincing a performance as what many had hoped from the South American giants against a relative minnow of world football. An injury to Raphinha will be a particular worry.
Matheus Cunha found the back of the net twice in the opening half, and Vinicus Jr made it two in two matches, after which Carlo Ancelotti’s side seemed more focussed on conserving energy and seeing out the clock than finding more goals. It is a decision that may come back to haunt them if goal difference is what separates them from Morocco at the top of Group C.
Sam Lewis
Turkey fans will be thrilled to see their two starlets, Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz, starting their first World Cup match together.
Guler, the Real Madrid creative attacking midfielder, was kept largely at bay by Australia’s resolute defence a week ago, but still managed to deliver some sneaky through-balls and find small pockets of space in and around the penalty area. He’s also a free-kick specialist, so Paraguay will need to be careful not to give away too many fouls outside their own area.
Yildiz, meanwhile, made an immediate impact when he came on in the second half against the Socceroos. The Juventus winger added a new dimension to Turkey’s otherwise-muted left-sided attack, isn’t afraid to take on defenders one v one, and delivers some pin-point crosses and cut-backs for teammates to run onto.
With Guler moved into central midfield and Yunus Akgun brought onto the right side, the connection the two 21-year-olds can make could be the difference today.
Sam Lewis
A surprise start for attacker Isidro Pitta, who was so certain he wouldn’t be called up to Paraguay’s squad for the World Cup that he had already booked a holiday to Spain with his family during the tournament.
Nicknamed ‘Viking’ due to his long hair and big ginger beard, he’s found form at Red Bull Bragantino and is described as “a fighter, a tireless worker and a constant nuisance for opposition defences” in the Guardian’s World Cup player guide.
For more information about him, and plenty more fun and quirky facts about the two starting XIs, check out the guide below.
Paraguay XI
Sam Adams
Paraguay have also shuffled a few things around, making two changes from their 4-1 defeat to the USA last week.
Isidro Pitta replaces Antonio Sanabria to partner Enciso up front, while Matias Galarza comes into midfield in place of Damian Bobadilla. Here’s their squad to start today’s match.
Paraguay XI (4-4-2): 12 Gill; 6 Alonso, 3 Alderete, 15 Gomez, 4 Caceres; 10 Almiron, 23 Galarza, 14 Cubas, 8 Gomez; 25 Pitta, 19 Enciso.
Turkey XI
Sam Lewis
Three changes for Turkey following their defeat to Australia.
Juventus star Kenan Yildiz comes into the starting XI alongside right-back Mert Muldur and winger Yunus Akgun, with Orkan Kokcu, Baris Yilmaz, and Zeki Celik benched. Here’s their line-up.
Turkey (4-2-3-1): 23 Cakir, 18 Muldur, 3 Demiral, 14 Bardakci, 20 Kadioglu, 16 Yuksek, 10 Calhanoglu, 19 Akgun, 8 Guler, 11 Yildiz, 7 Akturkoglu.
Sam Lewis
Elsewhere, Brazil are maintaining a comfortable 3-0 lead over Haiti. If they maintain or extend that, they’ll leapfrog Morocco and sit pretty at the top of Group C.
Check out Jonathan Howcroft’s live updates below as we wait for the Turkey and Paraguay line-ups.
Sam Lewis
There are a few players worth keeping an eye on for both sides today.
Despite struggling to break down a resolute Australian defence, Turkey’s Arda Guler continued chipping away with neat little passes and crosses, and always found small pockets to drift into around the penalty area.
Team-mate and elder statesman Hakan Calhanoglu is Turkey’s midfield engine, while winger Kenan Yildiz made an immediate impact when he came off the bench a week ago.
For Paraguay, Julio Enciso was one of their better performers in their loss to the USA on the first match day, assisting the consolation goal from substitute Mauricio in the second half.
Andres Cubas also did his best to hold Paraguay’s shape through midfield, but was regularly overwhelmed by the USA’s press.
There will be a lot for both sides to improve upon today. Let’s see if they can.
Sam Lewis
Here’s a bit more info about where to watch today’s Turkey v Paraguay match thanks to our friend Graham Ruthven, who sets the scene for us below.
Turkey have a point to prove after a shock opening defeat to Australia. Vincenzo Montella’s side struggled to create against a low block and could run into many of the same problems again if Paraguay are able to keep things tight at the back in the way they weren’t against the USA.
Paraguay were powerless to stop the USA running over them in Los Angeles, but have much more to offer if their qualification campaign is anything to go by. Anything less than a draw would all but end their hopes of making it through to the last 32.
Want more on today’s earlier Group D game between co-hosts USA and Australia? Our team in Seattle has you covered.
Sam Lewis
We’re already starting to see the shape of some other groups as match day two continues at the World Cup.
Mexico became the first nation to secure knock-out football after a 1-0 victory over South Korea in Group A.
Canada and Switzerland both recorded wins in Group B to draw level with each other on 4 points apiece.
Finally, Morocco edged past Scotland 1-0 to move to 4 points in Group C, with Brazil currently taking on Haiti to potentially join them there.
If following every game is simply too much for you, the wonderful fellas at Guardian Football Weekly are recording daily wraps for your pleasure – now also in video format!
Sam Lewis
Looking at the group’s permutations, both Turkey and Paraguay will now have Australia squarely in their sights after the Socceroos lost 2-0 to hosts USA earlier today.
A win for either team today will bring them level on points with Australia (3), though exactly where they’ll end up – second or third – will be decided by goal difference.
The USA are all but through to the round of 32 after their comprehensive win, sailing into their third and final group game on six comfy points. Here’s Alexander Abnos on the match:
As John Denver’s Country Roads blared over the Seattle Stadium PA, they celebrated history: a spot in the knockout round secured with a game to spare, two wins to start a World Cup for the first time since 1930, a big moment for a breakout star in goalscorer Alex Freeman, and the continuation of a journey that US Soccer hope will be transformative for the sport in their country.
“We built the victory in our attitude,” Mauricio Pochettino said. “Today, even if I am not American, after the game I was emotional … To connect with the people is what we wanted.”
Preamble
Sam Lewis
Hello friends and welcome to live coverage of Group D’s second match between Turkey and Paraguay. Kick-off at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium is scheduled for 8:00pm local time (11pm EDT/4am BST/1pm AEST).
Both sides come into this crucial clash having lost their opening matches in rather startling fashion. Turkey, favoured by many to top the group, unexpectedly lost 2-0 to Australia, while Paraguay were picked apart by hosts USA 4-1 a week ago.
Neither team was especially convincing in those losses. Turkey’s dominant possession did not translate into convincing chances, creating an average xG of just 0.04 despite having two of the tournament’s most exciting young attackers in Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz.
Paraguay, meanwhile, were defensively shambolic, allowing the USA to have 53 touches in their own penalty area: the second-most behind Curaçao’s destruction at the hands of Germany. They did pull a goal back from their only shot on target, but that glimmer of hope papered over some much deeper cracks.
As a result, each side will be looking to restore a bit of dignity and repair their negative goal difference as the door to the round of 32 slowly closes in front of them. The loser of this match will almost certainly be sent home.
This is the first high-stakes match between Turkey and Paraguay in their history, with their only other meeting coming in a friendly over a decade ago, so it’ll be a match of discovery for both sides as they try to save a bit of face.
I’ll be back with the line-ups shortly, but in the meantime, what did you think of the opening performances of these two sides? Which result shocked you more? And how do you reckon this one will play out? Send me an email at samantha.lewis.freelance@guardian.co.uk
-
Oxford News3 weeks agoOxfordshire families invited to free day of fun in Bicester
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoNew video call system to help domestic abuse victims
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoPhotos as 1979 Pontiac Firebird ‘bursts in flames’ at Tesco
-
Business & Technology3 weeks agoNew ‘high-quality’ mushroom business launched in Oxford
-
Student Life3 weeks agoTransgender rights protest in central Oxford following updated EHRC guidance
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoNHS IT outages disrupt 274,620 patient interactions
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoCo-op incident in Oxfordshire town leads to police charge
-
Business & Technology3 weeks agoFlex Health Hub officially opens at Milton Park Oxfordshire