Poet laureate Simon Armitage welcomes £5m government investment for first-ever National Poetry Centre

Police are "increasingly concerned" as they continue to search for 23-year-old Jenny Hall, who has been missing for four days after leaving her home in Tow Law. Hall, described as 6ft tall with long, dark hair, was last seen in her red Ford Focus wearing a blue hoodie with a John Deere logo and dark jogging bottoms, potentially carrying a green jacket. Despite finding her car parked on the B6278 near remote moorland, the search...

Sir Elton John and Simon Cowell are urging the government to reconsider relaxing copyright rules to protect creative talent from AI, supporting a campaign against plans allowing big firms to use online material without compensating creators. Sir Elton warned that the proposal could jeopardize the UK's creative sector's global reputation, emphasizing the importance of copyright protection in supporting economic growth. Simon Cowell also expressed concerns about the potential impact on artists and industry professionals if...

Since the ceasefire on 19 January, 138,000 Palestinians received cash assistance, with improved market conditions in Gaza reported by UNICEF. Children and women in Gaza are now consuming a more diverse diet. However, hostilities in the West Bank persist, with ongoing Israeli operations and settler violence causing displacement and hindering Palestinians' movement. Full Article

Tesco has seen a 200% increase in customer demand for out-of-season forced rhubarb, leading to a surge in rhubarb-flavoured products. Forced rhubarb, known for its tenderness and sweetness, is only available from January to March, while field-grown rhubarb is available from April to October. Supplier Place UK has reported a 170% increase in forced rhubarb demand, with Tesco offering nearly 40 rhubarb-infused products including spirits, pies, sweets, and hot cross buns. Full Article

Sir Keir Starmer is being urged to confront Donald Trump over his false claims regarding the war in Ukraine during their upcoming meeting in the US, following the president's controversial remarks accusing Britain of inaction. Global criticism of Trump's stance on the conflict has intensified, prompting warnings about the state of the transatlantic alliance and the need for a strong response. The UK Prime Minister has been advised to challenge Trump's misinformation and support Ukraine's...

A major search operation is underway for missing woman Jenny Hall, 23, who disappeared while running in County Durham on the night of 18 February. Last seen leaving her home in Barracks Farm, Tow Law, in a red Ford Focus and wearing a blue hoodie with a John Deere logo and dark jogging bottoms, she is described as white, 6ft tall, with long, dark hair, possibly in a ponytail. Her family raised the alarm at...