Independent bookstores make quiet comeback as big chains dominate retail 19. April 2026 (16:00) About 422 indie bookshops opened in 2025, up 31%, defying predictions of retail consolidationFor years now, we have heard that Amazon and the big chains are crushing small businesses, but independent bookstores are suddenly making a comeback.About 422 new indie bookshops opened in 2025, according to the American Booksellers Association, a 31% rise from 2024. Countless independent restaurants, coffee shops, fitness centers, movie theaters, clothing stores and other small businesses also continue to thrive even in this era of ever-bigger retailers, fast-casual restaurants and massive e-commerce platforms. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Tornadoes and heavy winds destroy homes and roads across US midwest 19. April 2026 (15:51) No deaths reported after latest round of severe weather in the region as officials brace residents for long recovery A trail of damaged homes and buildings dotted a wide swath of the US on Saturday after a burst of destructive winds and reported tornadoes tore off roofs, uprooted trees and rendered rural roads impassable with debris.No deaths were reported after Friday’s storms, which barreled through the upper midwest and delivered the latest round of severe weather to batter the region. Officials braced residents for a long recovery in some rural communities. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Oklahoma principal who disarmed gun-wielding intruder crowned prom king 19. April 2026 (15:44) Kirk Moore, who was shot while disarming the attacker, received the honor at Pauls Valley high school on FridayStudents at an Oklahoma high school crowned their principal prom king after he charged, disarmed and was shot by an armed intruder at their campus.Kirk Moore, the Pauls Valley high school principal, received the honor on Friday night after his students voted to honor him for having defended them. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Woman arrested after car driven into pedestrians in central London 19. April 2026 (15:29) Police say 29-year-old arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drink driving after collision on Soho streetA woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car hit pedestrians in central London in the early hours of Sunday morning.A woman in her 30s is in hospital in a critical condition and a man in his 50s suffered life-changing injuries after they were hit by a car in Argyll Street, Westminster, at about 4.30am on Sunday, the Metropolitan police said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Italian lawyers could win ‘wild west-style bounties’ if immigration clients go home 19. April 2026 (15:23) Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government to ask MPs to back controversial voluntary repatriation schemeItalian lawyers will be paid bonuses if they successfully convince their immigrant clients to return home under a government plan that has been compared to a “wild west-style bounty”.The incentive is in the latest security bill from Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government and goes to the lower house of parliament for final approval this week. It was passed by the upper house after fiery debate. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Inside Eric Roberts' estrangement from sister Julia and 'complicated' relationship with daughter Emma while juggling 800 TV and film roles
Callous killer who murdered disabled man he was supposed to be caring for and left his body to rot in house for 12 days is jailed for 19 years
Heartwarming moment hero principal is crowned prom king after taking a bullet while tackling school shooter to the ground in Oklahoma
Parents are too 'weak' in disciplining children and should not complain about schools being excessively strict, says behaviour tsar