Harvard University sues Trump administration to stop funding freeze

22 minutes ago Share Save Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu BBC News Share Save

Watch: 'It's not right' - Students react to Trump freezing Harvard's federal funding

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration claiming that its freezing of federal grants worth billions of dollars is unlawful. Its president, Alan M Garber, announced the action on Monday in a letter to the university community which said the $2bn funding freeze would hamper critical disease research. Harvard, the world's richest university, last week rejected a list of demands that the Trump administration said was designed to curb diversity initiatives and fight anti-semitism at the school. In response to the lawsuit, the White House said the "gravy train of federal assistance" was coming to an end.

Funding cuts have also been implemented at other elite universities, and a new government anti-semitism task force has identified at least 60 universities for review. President Donald Trump has accused universities of failing to protect Jewish students during last year's campus protests against the war in Gaza and US support for Israel. Harvard has stood up to Trump. How long can it last? In Monday's letter, Mr Garber said: "The consequences of the government's overreach will be severe and long-lasting." Studies on pediatric cancer, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease would be affected, he wrote. "In recent weeks, the federal government has launched a broad attack on the critical funding partnerships that make this invaluable research possible," the school's lawsuit said. It said the withholding of federal funding violated Harvard's constitutional rights and was being used as "leverage to gain control of academic decisionmaking at Harvard". The Trump administration has signalled that another $1bn of federal funding could be suspended. Harvard receives about $9bn in total annually, which is mostly spent on research. Harvard's tax exemption status and its ability to enroll international students could also be under threat.

Reuters

Thousands remain affected after burst water pipe

34 minutes ago Share Save Zhara Simpson BBC News, South West Share Save

BBC South West Water said it teams were working hard to fully restore water supplies to the homes still affected following a burst water main on Monday

Thousands of properties including homes, schools and leisure centres are still without water supplies following a burst pipe in west Devon. South West Water (SWW) confirmed on Tuesday morning 9,500 properties were still experiencing a loss of water supply or lower water pressure than usual, after the initial burst on Monday. A spokesperson for the water company said teams were "carefully recharging the network" to fully restore supplies for its customers in places including Tavistock, Bere Alston and Yelverton. "This is a large and complex system, and it needs to refill properly and safely before we can bring it fully back into supply," they said.

'Closed today'

"That's why it may take a bit more time for all customers to see their water return. "Our absolute priority is getting supplies back to everyone as quickly as we can, and we want to thank customers for their continued patience and understanding." Horrabridge Primary and Nursery School said it was closed on Tuesday due to having no water. On social media, the school said: "Apologies for the delay but we have been trying to contact South West Water for further information however they haven't been able to give us any further information so with that in mind we will unfortunately have to remain closed today. "Water collection points are open and available, we will keep you all updated of we are given further information." Whitchurch Community Primary School, in Tavistock, also said it has taken the decision to close and apologised in advance for any disruption caused. Nuffield Health Devonshire leisure centre in Derriford, Plymouth remained closed on Tuesday morning due to the issues.

'Prioritised support'

SWW said its most vulnerable customers had received "prioritised support" throughout the incident and it would continue to provide bottle water where needed. The company said bottled water stations remained open for anyone who needed them while the system refills. They are located at The George Park and Ride, Bere Alston Bowling Club, and Knightstone Tearooms in Yelverton. "We'll keep customers updated as supply returns," a spokesperson said. David Harris from SWW said a fourth water station would be opening on Tuesday in the Whitchurch area of Tavistock.

David Harris from SWW said it was 'very sorry' to its customers

He said: "We are working with schools to keep them open, and we are conscious of the impact it has on parents of those school children. "We are doing this as quickly as we can and we are very sorry to our customers that this has happened. "We didn't plan this, this is certainly not something we would want to happen, but we have responded as quickly as we can and responsibly in a way that's not going to cause more problems and more delays on our customers by doing it the wrong way." He said teams had also been "working around the clock" to restore water back to properties as quickly as possible.

Compensation payments

The company also said compensation payments will be available to those affected, "as a gesture of goodwill and to make amends". In a message to customers on social media, it said: "We understand how crucial access to water is, and we are committed to providing you with fair compensation for the inconvenience experienced. "We will provide further updates on the specific compensation amounts in due course. "We're grateful for everyone's patience and understanding while we've worked to put things right." Mr Harris added: "We follow the regulator Ofwat who set out guaranteed standards for compensation which means customers who lose supply for an extended amount of period are entitled to automatic compensation. "We won't only be paying that, but we will be keeping that under review depending on how long it takes us to get the full network restored."

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More on this story 13,000 homes affected by burst water main

Katie Boulter says she is not feeling any pressure as she battles to keep the British number one ranking with Emma Raducanu and Sonay Kartal closing in.

Boulter, 28, has been the nation's leading women's player since June 2023, but has dropped down the world rankings in a stop-start season.

Having reached a career high 23rd in November, Boulter is now 40th after winning five of her 10 matches this year.

Raducanu is up to 49th after reaching the Miami quarter-finals last month, while Kartal's rapid rise has continued and moved her up to 60th.

"I don't feel any pressure at all," Boulter told BBC Sport.

"I'm very comfortable in the seat that I am and I know that every single person has a different journey and my journey is not going to be compared to anyone else's – I'm proud of that.

"I've been the British number one for two years, it's been a fair while now. It's something which I'm quite used to."

Who was the murderer whose skin binds a book?

4 hours ago Share Save Laura Devlin & Laura Foster BBC News, Suffolk Share Save

BBC/Jamie Niblock Museum staff believe the binding and corners of this book are made using the skin of 19th Century murderer William Corder

The cover of a book held at a Suffolk museum was recently found to be made from the skin of a man hanged for a notorious murder almost 200 years ago. William Corder was convicted of killing a woman in 1827, which shocked Georgian Britain and became known as the Red Barn Murder. Curators at Moyse's Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds realised the book, which was on a bookshelf in an office, had been overlooked but it has now gone on display. It had been donated decades ago by a family with close connections to the surgeon who anatomised Corder's body. So what do we know of William Corder and the murder, which fascinates to this day?

Who were William and his victim Maria?

Getty Images William Corder's legacy lives on, as the Red Barn Murder continues to enthrall

William was from a middle-class family of tenant farmers in the village of Polstead, between Ipswich and Sudbury, at the turn of the 19th Century. At the age of 22, when he and Maria Marten became lovers, he was the head of the Corder family and had a reputation as a ladies' man. Maria, who was 24 and lived at home with her mole-catcher father, a stepmother, sister, and her young son, may have seen young William as a means of escape. In 1827, William came up with a plan to elope, telling Maria to meet him at the Red Barn on the Corder's farm, then run off to Ipswich to get the banns for their wedding. Maria was not seen again and William disappeared.

Getty Images At 24, Maria was comparatively old to be living at home

What happened next?

William eventually left Suffolk and wrote to the Marten family to say he had eloped with Maria to the Isle of Wight. In reality, he was holed up just outside London and Maria was buried at the lovers' rendezvous, having been shot in the neck. Almost a year later, legend states, Ann Marten had a dream her stepdaughter was dead and at the Red Barn. Maria's father dug with his "mole spud" spade and found his daughter's remains. As a manhunt ensued, a newspaper editor flagged that he knew of a William Corder. "He is effectively on the run, and the theory is he's lonely, and puts an advert in the newspaper asking for a new wife," says Dan Clarke, a heritage officer at Moyse's Hall Museum. It holds many Red Barn Murder artefacts, including two books covered in Corder's skin. The authorities traced Corder, who denies any knowledge of Maria, but has a letter from Polstead telling him her body has been found.

The trial and public hanging

Getty Images William Corder's hanging attracted a mass of people who sang and danced

Corder was brought to Bury St Edmunds on 10 counts of murder, each based on a different theory about Maria's demise and to strengthen the chance of a conviction. In his defence he claimed Maria had killed herself, thereby accusing the dead woman of a capital crime. He was found guilty after a two-day trial, and in a final confession said he had accidentally shot Maria during an argument. It is estimated 7,000 to 10,000 people came to see him hanged outside the prison at the stroke of noon on 11 August 1828. Later that day, people queued to file past his body at the town's Shire Hall. "There were so many people, the story goes they couldn't get him outside the prison, so they had to hit a hole in the side of the building and create a temporary scaffold," said Mr Clarke. "There would have been singing and dancing, you would have been able to buy a section of the rope afterwards." Polstead became a tourist attraction, the Red Barn and even Maria's gravestone chipped away by souvenir-hunters.

A newspaper from 1828 reporting William Corder's execution

Corder's legacy

William Corder's death mask is at Moyse's Hall and Norwich Castle

Public intrigue in the Red Barn Murder sparked books, plays and music, and it permeates the true crime culture to this day. At a distance of two centuries, it has become a ripping yarn, the true story clouded in legend. It is probably fuelled, in part, by being able to stand face-to-face with Corder's image, his eyes shut and his nostrils flared. His death mask is held at Moyse Hall and Norwich Castle. For many years, until it eventually began to fall apart, his skeleton was used to teach medical students at West Suffolk Hospital. Disturbingly, two books were covered in his skin and part of the man's scalp, with ear included, was kept as a gruesome ornament. All are at Moyse Hall. Terry Deary, who created Horrible Histories, believes Corder has been "maligned" with Maria incorrectly portrayed as an innocent young maiden. Moyse's Hall said it would redress the focus on Corder with a future exhibition which will shine a light on woman victims in Suffolk history, including Maria. Heritage assistant Abbie Smith said 80% of its visitors were "desperate" to know about the Red Barn Murder. "How it ended is a big factor, it was such a spectacle and people are going to be drawn to it. "It's a gory, grotty one, so people seem to like that - rather worryingly."

Man missing after rare shark attack in Israel

The attack happened close to the power station at Hadera

A swimmer is missing following an extremely rare shark attack off the coast of northern Israel on Monday.

It happened in the sea at Hadera, about 40km (25 miles) north of Tel Aviv.

The incident was witnessed by people on Olga Beach, who can be heard yelling in shock in footage posted on social media.

Sharks are known to gather there where warm water is discharged by a local power plant, and especially at this time of year, but they are usually harmless.

There have been no recorded fatal shark attacks in waters off Israel since the country was founded in 1948.

Police have closed the beach and a search is under way for the missing man.

Retired London ambulances donated to Ukraine

4 hours ago Share Save Share Save

BBC In 2022, 26 London Ambulance volunteers drove 1,100 miles (1,770 km) to deliver the ambulances

Fifty-nine decommissioned ambulances have been donated to Ukraine by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) since the start of the war in 2022, the service has said. The ambulances, which are helping to provide care for those in warzones or civilians injured, have been handed over to the charity British-Ukrainian Aid. The latest donation of nine ambulances has now been delivered to the frontline. Chris Rutherford from LAS said: "We are very proud we can do this and our thoughts remain with our counterparts working on ambulances caring for those injured in the conflict."

'Saving lives'

He added: "The ambulances have reached the end of their service in the capital but they can still help to save lives in Ukraine." The LAS said the ambulances were no longer being used by LAS frontline crews as the Service had invested in a fleet of greener vehicles. The total of 59 include 10 retired ambulances that were donated at the start of the war, when a team of volunteers drove the vehicles filled with medical supplies to Poland so they could be taken over the border to Ukraine to bolster humanitarian efforts. In 2022, 26 LAS volunteers drove 1,100 miles (1,770 km) over three days to deliver the ambulances. They had been filled with donated medical equipment from NHS organisations across London and had included ventilators, syringe pumps, tourniquets, wound dressings, blizzard blankets and personal protective equipment. Since then, Ukrainian drivers have collected the ambulances, which have been loaded onto lorries, and delivered to where they are needed most. Nadia Pylypchuk from British-Ukrainian Aid said: "In Ukraine any equipment or any help really matters – whether it is big or small. "We cannot thank the London Ambulance Service enough for their kind donations which are saving lives."

Teens test virtual technology aimed at helping anxiety

5 hours ago Share Save Ben Price BBC News Share Save

BBC Lili, one of the young people from Cardiff Youth Service who tested the augmented reality app, says it has a "calming effect"

Therapy which uses virtual technology is being tested as a means of supporting teenagers with anxiety and those who struggle to attend school. Cardiff Youth Service, part of Cardiff council's education department, has helped to test and develop a mobile app which uses augmented reality (AR) as an intervention for anxiety and social isolation. Initial findings suggest the technology, which will be piloted in some schools in Cardiff and Swansea, has resulted in an "increase in social connection" and reduced levels of anxiety. The Children's Commissioner for Wales said any intervention which could engage young people and help their emotional wellbeing was to be welcomed.

AR is an interactive experience where your real-world environment is augmented, added to or enhanced using computer generated content. Counsellor Angela Mcmillan, who developed the AR therapy app, said the idea came from support sessions with young people in the south Wales valleys who had been struggling to attend school due to anxiety and social isolation. "I'm really curious as to how we can use technology for good," she said. "Instead of thinking of it as something we do by ourselves, how might we use technology where we are then able to share that with the person next to us?" The app uses gaming technology to allow a young person to design a flower and choose a structure to support its growth and weather conditions. Users can then superimpose the digital images onto their physical surroundings using their device.

Digital health interventions which support mental health and wellbeing are used worldwide according to researchers at Cardiff University

"What we found was young people were using the devices to move around their physical space but also interacting with each other in a playful way and we know that play is incredibly important for child development," said Ms Mcmillan. A group of young people who are supported by Cardiff Youth Service were the first to test the AR app. Lili, 16, said: "It's easy to use because you can separate it from yourself. It's easier to look at your emotions from an outside perspective. "I think it could be helpful for a lot of people. If someone didn't really like talking then it can be like an ice-breaker to open up conversations with their counsellor. "I think it would be particularly useful for people with social anxiety." Jonas, 15, said: "The thoughts of the day's experiences are going through my mind as I'm choosing the different things. "It's creative and I've never seen something like this before."

Initial results from the AR therapy application show "a significant reduction in levels of anxiety" among young people, according to Ms Mcmillan

It is hoped the technology will help certain individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, to feel more comfortable using images to express how they are feeling. "We're just about to start some pilots in schools in Swansea and Cardiff. What we have seen so far in our initial pilots is an increase in social connection," said Ms Mcmillan. "I think a key element of this is that if we feel a sense of belonging, that improves our wellbeing and the way we want to interact with the world. "A by-product of that might be that young people want to go back into education or attend in different ways."

HMS Prince of Wales departs on major deployment

5 hours ago Share Save Steve Humphrey BBC News, Portsmouth Share Save

PA Media HMS Prince of Wales is setting off on an eight-month deployment

The Royal Navy's flagship HMS Prince of Wales is set to depart on one of its biggest deployments yet. The £3bn aircraft carrier sets off later from Portsmouth and will take part in exercises demonstrating the UK's ability to operate fast jets at sea, and carry out large scale military operations on the other side of the world. Up to 24 of the latest F-35B stealth jets will join the carrier as it leads a multi-national fleet of warships to 40 countries across the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan and Australia. The 65,000-tonne warship, which can hold up to 1,600 military personnel, will be deployed for eight months.

PA Media Capt Will Blackett, Commodore James Blackmore, and Capt Colin McGannity (l-r) are leading the mission

HMS Prince of Wales will be part of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) which includes the Portsmouth destroyer HMS Dauntless, Plymouth frigate HMS Richmond, as well as warships from Norway, Canada, and other NATO members. On board will be the RAF's 617 squadron, also known as The Dambusters, and 809 Naval Air Squadron The Immortals. Commanding officer Capt Will Blackett said: "We've been practising and practising and practising. "What we'll do, once we sail and get past the Isle of Wight, is embark the largest air wing that has ever been embarked on this ship ever. "That's a complicated business."

PA Media Up to 24 of the latest F-35B stealth jets will join the carrier on its deployment

In addition to the fighter jets are 16 Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, and a number of T-150 Malloy and Puma drones. With fast moving world events and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the strike group, said there was always a possibility that the programme could be changed. "Agility allows me at any moment to undertake other operations if called upon," he explained. The mission is called Operation Highmast.

Able Seaman James South, from Brighton, said he was both excited and apprehensive. "It's the first very long deployment away from home for me so I'm curious to see what that brings," he said. Able Seaman Molly Plant, from Cornwall, said: "I think it's the most people we've taken away on a deployment. "It's a bit of a tight squeeze but everyone has a bed which is good." Altogether, 2,500 personnel from the Royal Navy, almost 600 from the RAF, and about 900 from the British Army will take part in the exercises. They should all be home in time for Christmas.

Met police fear 'mass casualty event' at carnival

4 hours ago Share Save Tony Grew BBC News Share Save

PA Media There are concerns over crowd safety at the carnival

The London Assembly is calling for a review of crowd safety at Notting Hill Carnival amid police concerns about "a mass casualty event" at the two-day festival. Susan Hall AM, chair of the assembly's Police and Crime Committee, said there have been "a number of incredibly worrying incidents with crowd density" at the carnival. She raised concerns about the Metropolitan Police's ability "to keep visitors safe or to respond to any incidents that occur". The committee said the mayor should conduct a full review of pinch points and there should be strict guidance for the number of stewards required across the carnival.

PA Media Around 7,000 Met police officers were on duty at last year's carnival

The committee also noted the Notting Hill Carnival is a "unique celebration of Caribbean culture and history" and attracts around two million visitors each year. However, the volume of people also creates "a complex policing challenge". As part of its policing operation for the 2024 Carnival, the Met had around 7,000 officers on duty, drawn from local policing teams as well as specialist units, with a total of around 14,000 officer shifts across the whole event. Giving evidence to the committee in September 2024, the Met's Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: "While we acknowledge the crime often gets the headlines, the thing that worries me most is the crowd density and the potential for a mass casualty event." Ms Hall said on Tuesday, after the publication of the committee report on public order policing in London: "We cannot stand by and wait for a tragic incident to happen, action must be taken." She added: "Two people tragically lost their lives at last year's event due to violent crime, and it is absolutely essential that the Met is on hand to carry out its duties, and not fill in for a lack of stewarding from the organisers." Cher Maximen, a 32-year-old mother and Mussie Imnetu, 41, who had been visiting London from Dubai, were both murdered at the carnival last year.

PA Media Two million people attend the carnival over two days

The Notting Hill Carnival takes place over two days over the August Bank Holiday along a three-and-a-half mile (5.6km) route in north Kensington, west London, and has been running for more than 50 years. The organisers, Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, have said they use "experts from all areas of event organisation" and had 3,300 stewards on duty in 2024 to help manage crowds. The new report from the assembly's policing committee also says increased public order demand in central London is putting the Met under strain, and this has not been matched with an increase in funding from the government. It said: "Officers who have undertaken specialist public order training are now stepping back from public order work in increasing numbers, due to the demand of regular weekend shifts and impact on family life. "The Met continues to rely on 'abstraction', where local officers are taken away from regular duties at short notice to support public order operations in central London. "Taking neighbourhood officers away from their regular duties is having a continuing impact on local policing services."

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