The White House has lashed out at actor Mark Hamill, calling him “one sick individual” after he posted an AI-generated image of Donald Trump in the grave.
The Hollywood star, who has long been an outspoken critic of Trump, posted a picture to his BlueSky account that showed the President lying with his eyes closed in a shallow grave surrounded by daisies, beneath a gravestone with the words “Donald J Trump 1946-2024”. The image was accompanied by a caption that began: “If Only.”
However, Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars films, rejected that sentiment, suggesting Trump should live long enough to be held accountable for his actions.
Shorts – Quick stories
HEALTH
The diet that can slash high blood pressure risk by 30%
Various kinds of vegan protein sources on beige background. Set of food supplements. Gluten free cereals as ground hemp seeds, quinoa. Nuts and legumes (green mung beans, chick-pea, red lentil, kidney bean, almonds, hazelnuts). Flat lay, top view – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Eating beans, lentils and soy products dramatically reduces your risk of high blood pressure, a study has found.
The high levels of minerals, fibre and bioactive compounds in the plants also reduce the risk of other heart problems, especially when consumed daily.
How to be full of beans
Colorful Array of Mixed Beans – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Eat 170g per day of legumes like beans, lentils or chickpeas.
Pair with 60-80g daily of soy such as tofu, edamame or soy milk.
Include regular exercise in your routine to further protect the heart.
LIFESTYLE
6 min read
What did the study find?
Eating a portion of legumes and soy each day led to a 28-30 per cent reduction in risk of high blood pressure. Those on this diet had up to 19 per cent less risk than those eating the least of these products.
Experts writing in the British Medical Journal looked at the results of 12 previous studies for this research and concluded that the high levels of potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre contributed to the lowering of risk.
Charity urges us to eat more beans
Simple swaps, like choosing beans, lentils, chickpeas or tofu in place of processed meats, can make a meaningful difference and help support healthier blood pressure as part of an overall balanced diet.
TRACY PARKER, SENIOR DIETITIAN AT BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION
Adult and child hands holding red heart, health care, donate and family insurance concept,world heart day, world health day,,health care, concept – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
TRAVEL
The next airports which could suspend EES checks
Joe Duggan
Senior Reporter
Greece has suspended EES checks for UK holidaymakers until at least September after queues of three hours or more at the border.
As the summer holiday season approaches, other popular destinations for British tourists could follow suit.
Why are the queues so long?
The new European border system, launched last month, requires non-EU citizens to have a facial scan and fingerprints taken to enter the Schengen Area.
Passengers have reported having to queue for the checks several times. A body representing 600 airports says the queues are causing “major concerns” with some passengers missing flights.
TRAVEL
4 min read
TRAVEL
4 min read
Which countries could pause checks mext?
While only Greece has fully suspended checks for British tourists so far, airports in Portugal, France and Italy have all initiated temporary pauses to help ease long queues. Belgium has postponed introducing EES.
Syros is a quieter alternative to Mykonos (Photo: Getty)Caption: City of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain. Europe. Photographer: Jose A. Bernat Bacete Provider: Getty Images Source: Moment RF Copyright: @
The Spanish and Dutch governments have said there are no problems with the new system despite the delays. Opposition parties in Spain are calling for checks to be lifted, with one leader saying the queues are “typical of a Third World country”.
Health
How eggs could lower your risk of Alzheimer’s
Eggs were once the original superfood, but then concerns over their cholesterol and fat content led to them being seen as bad for the heart (Photo: Getty)
Clare Wilson
Science Writer
Eggs were once the original superfood, but then concerns over their cholesterol and fat content led to them being seen as bad for the heart. So, what do and don’t we know about the effects of eggs on our health? And does the way that we cook them make a difference?
How has health advice about eggs changed?
Up until the 1970s, eggs were considered a nutritious breakfast, as the famous marketing slogan “go to work on an egg” suggests. People were later advised to limit their egg intake because of the cholesterol in the yolk, which was considered to be bad for the heart. As understanding of how cholesterol works has improved, eggs have been restored to their “superfood” status. The NHS now recommends eggs as part of your diet, with no upper limit.
LIFESTYLE
5 min read
LIFESTYLE
7 min read
What does the study show?
Having eggs at least five times a week suggests a…
27%
lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s, compared with those who rarely or never eat them.
The research followed nearly 40,000 adults aged 65 and over for an average of 15 years.
980,000
people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK, with Alzheimer’s the most common cause.
This is forecast to rise to 1.4m by 2040 as the population ages.
What’s so special about eggs?
Photographer: Andrew Brookes Provider: Getty Images/Image Source Source: Image Source Copyright: Copyright Andrew Brookes
A no-brainer
Eggs contain choline, which the body uses to make acetylcholine, a chemical involved in memory and learning.
Nutritious and delicious
Eggs contain lutein and zeaxanthin, the yellow-orange pigments in food which could slow down eyesight loss.
(Photo: Laurie Ambrose/Getty).
Caption: Eggs are seen in a carton on Monday, April 13, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) Photographer: Jenny Kane Provider: AP Source: AP
Egg-ceptional
They also provide some omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked with cognitive function.
Caption: A detail of cracked egg falling into the pan as woman holds egg shells in both hands. Photographer: SimpleImages Provider: Getty Images Source: Moment RF
You must be yolking
By just having the whites, you could be forgoing all of these beneficial nutrients.
Nutrition researcher Dr Emma Derbyshire advises against the cartons of egg whites favoured by bodybuilders for their low-fat, high-protein content.
All the nutrients associated with health effects are found in the yolk, so you must eat the whole egg to benefit from the boost.
Starmer’s plan revealed as Labour loses seats in local elections
Sir Keir Starmer will pivot his political message to deliver a more left-wing pitch to voters in a bid to fend off a leadership challenge.
We’ve built a political class allergic to spontaneity and terrified of taking risks (Photo: Toby Melville/AFP)
Starmer’s four-point plan to fight off Labour coup
The Prime Minister is understood to have abandoned the election strategy that helped secure a landslide in 2024 to one that will aim to unite progressive voters in both working-class and urban areas. It marks a shift away from trying to court Reform voters with strong immigration rhetoric.
Analysis
3 min read
Big Read
10 min read
Focus shifts to progressive block
Insiders say the view is that whoever can unite the left or the right will win the next general election, with Starmer hoping to appeal to progressive voters by focusing on issues they care about.
Closer relations with the EU including greater alignment with the single market.
Increased defence spending including a long-delayed investment plan.
Commitment to the environment and energy security through green sources.
Focus on values and making the case for a diverse and tolerant Britain.
Local election results as they come in
Labour loses nine councils so far – as Reform gains hundreds of seats
Of the 136 local authorities in England holding elections, 40 have so far declared their results.
Labour suffered significant blows, losing more than 240 seats across England overnight.
Reform has taken Newcastle-under-Lyme and Havering, London, gaining over 350 seats
Counting began in Scotland, Wales and the remaining English councils this morning.
Labour MPs react to losses
The Defence Secretary has supported Starmer as the man who can “turn it around” for Labour, saying that he “won the mandate for five years from the public” and he thinks “he can still deliver”.
Caption: Defence Secretary John Healey delivers a statement on recent UK operational activity at 9 Downing Street in Westminster, central London. Mr Healey said the UK and allies monitored a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines in the North Atlantic for a month before they retreated. Picture date: Thursday April 9, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire Photographer: Yui Mok Provider: Yui Mok/PA Wire Source: PA Copyright: PA Wire Sir Keir Starmer is faced with finding a replacement for Shadow Education Secretary after he sacked Rebecca Long-Bailey (Photo: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Not everyone in the party is so confident in their leader, though, with Labour MP Johnathon Brash calling for Starmer to resign and Rebecca Long-Bailey labelling it a “soul-destroying night”.
Starmer takes the blame
We have lost brilliant Labour representatives across the country; these are people who put so much into their communities, so much into our party. And that hurts, and I take responsibility…Tough days like these don’t weaken my resolve to deliver the change that I promised. They strengthen my resolve.
PRIME MINISTER SIR KEIR STARMER
Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 08: British Prime Minister and Labour leader Keir Starmer speaks to supporters and councillors following local elections at Kingsdown Methodist Church on May 08, 2026 in London, England. Voters went to the polls yesterday in the local elections across England. Results counted overnight show widespread losses for the Labour Party. Several key Labour councils have surrendered their majority as Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats make significant gains. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Photographer: Leon Neal Provider: Getty Images Source: Getty Images Europe Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
Caption: HARTLEPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 07: A general view outside a polling station during the local elections on May 07, 2026 in Hartlepool, England. The 2026 UK local elections involve approximately 5,000 seats across 136 local councils in England, taking place alongside major devolved elections for the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd (Welsh Parliament). (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) Photographer: Ian Forsyth Provider: Getty Images Source: Getty Images Europe Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
Politics
Election results at a glance – and key battlegrounds to come
Some English councils have already declared their results, with counting now underway across England, Scotland and Wales.
We take a look at what the results mean so far, as well as some to watch out for later today.
The results so far
Early results paint bleak picture for Labour
Of the 136 local authorities in England holding elections, 62 have so far declared their results.
Heavy losses for Labour, including ten councils, have translated to wins for the smaller parties across the board.
Reform has taken control of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Essex, Suffolk and Havering in London
Hackney has elected the first ever Green mayor, beating Labour by almost 10,000 votes
When will we get results in Scotland and Wales?
Counting began this morning and will likely take most of the day
Scotland: 12pm-6.30pm
SNP projected to lose their majority but retain control as the biggest party.
Wales: 2pm-5:30pm
Labour leader has already said they will not form the next Senned government.
Interview
7 min read
Key seats to watch
Caption: PENARTH, WALES – MAY 7: Zack Polanski, Leader of the Green Party, talking outside of a polling station at St Augustine’s Parish Hall on May 7, 2026 in Penarth, Wales. The 2026 Senedd election marks a major overhaul of the Welsh Parliament as the number of Members increases from 60 to 96. Under a new proportional system, voters cast a single vote for a party list across 16 new constituencies, each electing six representatives. (Photo by Jon Rowley/Getty Images) Photographer: Jon Rowley Provider: Getty Images Source: Getty Images Europe
All eyes are on the Greens as their target London councils declare.
Five London boroughs and Watford await new mayors.
Six county councils in southern England will declare later today.
Big Read
5 min read
The Government is being urged to focus on providing practical steps and clear communication to the public to avoid panic-buying of fuel (Photo: Michael Garner/Getty)
NEWS
How cutting speed limits could reduce Iran war price impact
Lowering speed limits on motorways and urban roads could lower drivers’ costs, according to a think-tank.
This is part of a package of measures which it says would soften the impact of price hikes resulting from war in the Middle East.
What the Institute for Public Policy Research calls for
Cut fuel duty by 10p
This would be a temporary measure.
Energy price cap £2,000
The cap would be per customer per year.
Lower speed limits by 10mph
Across 30mph and 70mph zones.
Explained
8 min read
How would this help?
Reducing the speed limit on motorways to 60 mph and 20mph in towns and cities could stretch fuel further in a shortage, as well as capping demand and helping drivers save money.
International bodies for fuel monitoring have recommended that countries impose speed caps to curb fuel usage.
CONSUMER
3 min read
NEWS
5 min read
‘A dual win’ – thinktank
[Benefits include] lowering fuel demand, while safer streets support swapping short trips to walking and cycling. This should be packaged with advice on how to drive more efficiently alongside recommendations for increased home working and carpooling.
INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH
Photographer: Justin Paget Provider: Getty Images Source: Digital Vision
Caption: Undated handout composite photo issued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) of Chung Biu Yuen (left), 65, a former Hong Kong police officer currently working at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, and Chi Leung Wai, 40, a former UK Border Force officer and special constable with the City of London Police. Both individuals were convicted under the National Security Act 2023 following a trial at the Old Bailey. Issue date: Thursday May 7, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: CPS/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. Photographer: CPS Provider: CPS/PA Wire Source: PA
CRIME
UK immigration officer among two guilty of working for Chinese intelligence
A Border Force official and a retired Hong Kong police officer have been found guilty of conducting “shadow policing” operations for China on British soil.
What you need to know
Dual Chinese-British nationals Peter Wai, 38, and Bill Yuen, 65, were convicted of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act. Wai was also convicted of misconduct in a public office by searching the Home Office computer system for people of interest to Hong Kong authorities.
Caption: Chung Biu Yuen arrives at the Old Bailey court, during a trial where he and co-defendant Chi Leung Wai are accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service, in London, Britain, May 6, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville Photographer: Toby Melville Provider: REUTERS Source: REUTERS
Exclusive
4 min read
A closer look at the detail
The jury, which deliberated for 23 hours and 38 minutes, was discharged after failing to reach a verdict against the defendants in respect of a charge of foreign interference by forcing entry into the Pontefract home of alleged fraud suspect Monica Kwong on 1 May 2024.
Caption: Chung Biu Yuen arrives at the Old Bailey court, during a trial where he and co-defendant Chi Leung Wai are accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service, in London, Britain, May 6, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville Photographer: Toby Melville Provider: REUTERS Source: REUTERS Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Chi Leung Wai arrives at the Old Bailey on March 02, 2026 in London, England. Chi Leung (Peter) Wai and Chung Biu Yuen have been charged under the National Security Act with assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service and foreign interference, for allegedly agreeing to undertake information gathering, surveillance, and acts of deception. A third man, a Home Office immigration officer and former Royal Marine, Matthew Trickett, had also been charged, but was found dead in Maidenhead in May 2024. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Photographer: Jack Taylor Provider: Getty Images Source: Getty Images Europe Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
The prosecution announced the Crown would not seek a retrial and the defendants were remanded into custody to be sentenced on a date to be fixed on 15 May.
Who were their targets?
Wai worked for Border Force at Heathrow Airport having formerly been in the Royal Navy.
He had gathered intelligence on the orders of ex-Hong Kong superintendent Yuen, who was a senior manager at the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office (HKETO) in London.
Targets included Hong Kong dissidents and protesters living in the UK – with “special attention” paid to politicians including Sir Iain Duncan Smith.
Analysis
8 min read
“He should live long enough to witness his inevitable devastating loss in the midterms, be held accountable for his unprecedented corruption, impeached, convicted & humiliated for his countless crimes,” Hamill wrote. “Long enough to realise he’ll be disgraced in the history books, forevermore.”
Mark Hamill has faced criticism for his post on BlueSky (Photo: Mark Hamill/BlueSky)
The White House hit back, using its official Rapid Response 47 account on X to say that: “These radical left lunatics just can’t help themselves. This kind of rhetoric is exactly what has inspired three assassination attempts in two years against our President.”
Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz, meanwhile, called Hamill’s post “sick, twisted and evil” and blamed left-wing politics, a familiar response from the GOP following high-profile violence.
Hamill, who has previously described Trump as “the worst thing that’s ever happened to this country”, soon deleted the post and wrote in a separate message: “Actually, I was wishing him the opposite of dead, but apologise if you found the image inappropriate.”
‘Trump can dish out dirt – but he can’t take it’
The latest White House spat with a prominent Trump critic has brought back to the fore the increasingly heated debate over growing political violence in the US, and the President’s role in it.
Last month, an armed man tried to break into the White House correspondents’ dinner where Trump and many of his Cabinet were in attendance. It was believed to be the third major attempt on the President’s life in less than two years. Meanwhile, the high-profile deaths of figures including the conservative activist Charlie Kirk have led to accusations from both the left and right that the other side is responsible for the increasing violence.
One figure is often at the centre of this. Trump has spent years posting crude insults and open threats against his opponents, fostering an environment in which public threats of violence have been largely normalised.
Donald Trump reposted a video of truck depicting Joe Biden hogtied on the back (Photo: Truth Social)
The US President has published AI videos of himself in a fighter jet bombing anti-Trump American protesters with faeces; he has reposted images showing former president Joe Biden hogtied in the trunk of a truck; and has shared an image of Chicago as a war zone, captioned “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR” while he ramped up immigration crackdowns on Democrat cities.
Trump has also threatened to use the military against Americans whom he dubs “the enemy from within” and just weeks ago threatened an entire country with annihilation on social media.
“Trump can dish out the darkest of dirt but he absolutely can’t take it,” said Mark Shanahan, an associate professor of political engagement at the University of Surrey. “He is incredibly thin-skinned and we’ve seen increasingly in this second term that his only defence against even the softest provocation is to go heavily on the attack.”
Shanahan added: “There’s a cognitive disconnect within him that simply can’t compute that when he shares AI images of the Obamas as monkeys or him as Jesus that it will provoke a reaction.”
Republicans have repeatedly made excuses for Trump’s behaviour. Mike Johnson, the speaker of the House, defended the AI video of excrement being dumped on protesters as “satire”.
Yet, this is apparently no excuse when it comes to Trump’s opponents. When the comedian Jimmy Kimmel made a joke on air about Trump’s advanced age last month, Trump called for him to be punished. Shortly afterwards, the US Federal Communications Commission launched a review of ABC’s station licences.
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel has been a continued target of ire for the President (Photo: Chris Delmas/AFP)
Trump’s politics is powered by retribution
It’s not just words or graphic images with Trump. The President has used the nominally independent Department of Justice to try to prosecute and imprison his opponents, including former FBI director James Comey (twice), former national security adviser John Bolton and New York’s Attorney General Letitia James.
He also accused his former chairman of the joint chiefs, General Mark Milley – who called Trump “fascist to the core” – of treason, and pointedly said the sentence for that crime would once have been death. He then stripped Milley of his security detail.
And, notoriously, Trump urged his supporters to “fight like hell” after he lost the 2020 election, culminating in the riots at the US Capitol on 6 January, 2021.
There is little sense that the President sees his own rhetoric as stoking the flames of violence.
“Trump views all events only through the prism of how they personally affect him,” Shanahan said. “His key driver now appears to be retribution against anyone he judges to be his political enemy – from members of Congress to late-night TV comics, and now Star Wars actors.”
Shanahan said that for a long time Trump’s opponents believed they could rise above this. “That’s no longer the case. Increasingly, when Trump goes low, his opponents are getting right down there with him,” he added. “That’s hugely damaging for US political discourse which has lost all nuance and is ever more hyper-polarised.”
