New MEP Peter Agius reflects on eye-opening start in parliament

Experts predict a significant drop in slug populations this spring, attributed to cold winter weather and a recent dry spell by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) entomology team. This decline will benefit gardeners growing plants like lettuce, carrots, and broccoli from seed, following a record-breaking year for slugs in 2024 due to mild, wet conditions. The RHS notes that years of high slug activity typically lead to periods of lower activity, with weather playing a...

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Southampton and the University of Vienna found that people in the UK tend to believe that fictional heroes like Harry Potter and Gandalf share their political views, while villains like Darth Vader and Cruella de Vil would support opposing parties, leading to increased political polarisation. The tendency to project personal views onto fictional characters also extended to real-life politicians, with participants associating positive attributes with politicians...

Tina Nash, a mother from Cornwall, was blinded by her ex-partner Shane Jenkin in a horrific attack in 2011, where he also broke her nose and jaw while her sons slept nearby. Despite being sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of six years, Jenkin was recently moved to an open prison, causing Nash to fear for her safety as he had previously had six parole bids rejected. Full Article

The Council has decided to extend restrictive measures against individuals threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence until September 15, 2025. The renewal targets those responsible for undermining the country's stability, ensuring continued pressure on key individuals. This decision reaffirms the Council's commitment to supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions on those posing a threat to its security. Full Article

On its opening day, Alton Towers' new attraction Toxicator was forced to close due to a burst pipe causing a leak of a brown liquid, which visitors mistook for raw sewage. Despite frustration from guests, the theme park denied it was sewage and stated it was an unrelated burst pipe. After a two-hour closure, operations resumed, and the ride is now fully open to guests. Full Article

The Tory Party is calling for a ban on phones in schools due to the failure of previous non-statutory guidance issued by former prime minister Rishi Sunak. Conservatives plan to amend Labour’s Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill to include the ban, following concerns raised by shadow education secretary Laura Trott about the negative impact of mobile phones on students' well-being and learning experiences. Trott emphasized the need to make the ban a legal requirement, citing...