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Pressure is mounting for the removal of Piero Corvetto, head of Peru’s National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), as the country grapples with a protracted presidential ballot count and accusations of procedural flaws.The general election took place on Sunday, but officials extended voting by a day to address distribution problems, a move that has since fueled claims of irregularities.With 93.3% of votes tallied, the race for second place remains razor‑thin: left‑leaning candidate Roberto Sanchez holds 12.0% of the vote, while ultraconservative former Lima mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga trails closely at 11.9%, a margin of roughly 13,000 votes. Conservative frontrunner Keiko Fujimori leads with 17%, positioning her for the June 7 run‑off.ONPE reports that about 5% of ballots have been set aside for further scrutiny due to missing information or recording errors. These votes will be examined by a special electoral jury before being incorporated into the final totals, a process that could extend the certification period to up to two weeks, according to local monitor Transparencia.Business leaders and legislators across the political spectrum have publicly urged Corvetto to step aside, arguing that a fresh overseer is needed to ensure credibility for the second round. “Errors of this magnitude have real consequences,” said Jorge Zapata, head of the business chamber CONFIEP, in an interview with RPP radio.Corvetto acknowledged logistical setbacks that necessitated the one‑day voting extension, particularly in Lima, but denied any fraudulent activity. Nonetheless, the National Jury of Elections—a top electoral court—has lodged a criminal complaint against him, citing possible violations of voting rights.Further controversy erupted after police discovered election materials from four polling stations on a public road in Lima; ONPE confirmed that votes from those stations had already been logged for counting.European Union election observers, however, reported no evidence of fraud during their monitoring mission, adding a nuanced perspective to the domestic turmoil.

A federal judge in the United States has dismissed a Department of Justice lawsuit seeking to access voter data from Rhode Island. The decision on Friday was the latest loss for the administration of President Donald Trump, which has sought to access voter data in dozens of states across the country.In the ruling, US District Court Judge Mary McElroy sided with election officials and civil rights groups, writing that the Justice Department does not have the authority “to conduct the kind of fishing expedition it seeks here”. Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore praised the ruling in a statement afterwards, highlighting the importance of state rights and the balance of power in the US democratic republic.The Justice Department has sued at least 30 states for their voter information, maintaining it needs the information to secure election security. However, state officials have expressed concerns over privacy, and federal judges have rejected similar attempts in California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Oregon. At least 12 states have willingly provided or pledged to provide voter information to the Trump administration.The push for voter information is one of several actions that have raised concerns over how the Trump administration will approach the midterm elections in November, which will decide the makeup of the US Congress. Trump is currently calling on Republicans to pass the so-called SAVE America Act, a bill that would create higher documentation standards for voters to prove their citizenship when registering to vote and casting ballots.

On Saturday, 18 April 2026, Hampshire overcame Somerset at Southampton and Warwickshire were bundled out by Essex at Edgbaston, delivering decisive outcomes in the County Championship while a controversial substitute ruling sparked debate in the Lancashire fixture.Sam Hain celebrated a half‑century with a gentle fist pump, guiding Warwickshire to a respectable 144 for seven before the innings folded. His partner Barker added 22 runs, but the team could not recover.In the same session, Gloucestershire were dismissed for 136, with George Balderson claiming five wickets, including a crucial spell of three for five after lunch that dismantled the middle order.The weather forecast warned of mixed sunshine and showers across the north, with heavier rain and a hail risk, while southern venues remained drier – a factor that subtly influenced pitch conditions.A major talking point emerged from the Lancashire match at Bristol: the new substitute rule barred the replacement of injured seamers with equally experienced players. Tom Bailey was denied entry for replacing Ajeet Singh Dale, prompting Lancashire head coach Steven Croft to label the decision “bizarre” and “not ideal”. The team was forced to call up left‑arm all‑rounder Ollie Sutton, who arrived from a second‑XI game only to find the match already concluded.Meanwhile, James Rew of Somerset shone on a rain‑spattered day, finishing unbeaten on 77 after a high‑elbowed finish that lifted his season average to 100, a statistic likely to catch the eye of England selectors.Essex reduced Warwickshire to 113 for seven, with Jamie Porter delivering figures of four for 36. Zaman Akhter, a graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy, claimed his first Essex wicket, underscoring the growing impact of academy pathways.In Division Two, Middlesex staged a resilient recovery against Northamptonshire, climbing from 20 for three to post 284‑6, highlighted by half‑centuries from Leus Du Plooy and Ben Geddes and a 120‑run unbeaten partnership for the seventh wicket.Overall, the round delivered a blend of individual brilliance, team resilience, and regulatory controversy, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation of the County Championship.

On Saturday, 18 April 2026, Leeds United host Wolves at Elland Road while Newcastle United face Bournemouth away, each match carrying crucial implications for league positions and upcoming managerial changes.Leeds enter the game in 15th place, six points clear of the relegation zone after a historic 2‑1 victory at Old Trafford – their first league win there since 1981. A win against bottom‑placed Wolves would lift them to a virtual safety net of 39 points, but they still face three more fixtures against the bottom four, including trips to Burnley, Tottenham and West Ham.Manager Daniel Farke emphasised that the Wolves clash is the first step in a four‑game run that could determine Leeds' fate when the season ends next month. The club also remains in the FA Cup semi‑finals, adding extra pressure to secure league points.Meanwhile, Newcastle United sit 14th and are set to overtake Bournemouth (currently 11th) with a victory. The match also marks the beginning of the end for Andoni Iraola, whose departure has been confirmed. The club will appoint a new boss – the former RB Leipzig and Borussia Mönchengladbach manager, widely reported to be Marco Rose – a challenging role given the team's recent inconsistency.Bournemouth are already linked with Rose as their next‑season manager, highlighting a period of transition for both clubs as they navigate the final stretch of the campaign.Both 3 pm kick‑offs are followed by a full slate of EFL action, promising a busy weekend of English football across the divisions.

A Guardian investigation published on 18 April 2026 reveals that staple foods across the UK and United States contain unexpected and occasionally unsafe components, from tiny insect fragments in spreads to cockroach‑infested coffee beans, raising fresh questions about food‑safety oversight and consumer transparency.While food processing can bring nutritional benefits, it also obscures the exact composition of many products. Chris Young, head of the Real Bread Campaign at Sustain, warns that each additive is tested in isolation but rarely examined for long‑term effects when combined in the modern diet. “The evidence base is limited, and history shows that some substances once deemed safe were later banned,” he says.Insect fragments are surprisingly common. US regulations permit up to 30 insect pieces per 100 g of peanut butter, 60 per 100 g of chocolate, and even two maggots per 100 g of tomato paste. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK, however, enforces a zero‑tolerance policy for visible contamination, triggering enforcement action when standards are breached. Estimates suggest the average American unintentionally consumes around 450 g of insects each year, a figure that would be alarming if not already part of many cultural diets.Coffee is another surprising vector. In the United States, up to 10 % of green coffee beans may be infested with insects before they are discarded, and remnants can survive processing into the final product. The more notorious threat is the coffee berry borer—a beetle that lays eggs inside coffee cherries—though its impact is less visible than stray cockroach fragments that occasionally appear in packaged coffee.Seafood is not exempt. The FSA mandates that fish intended for raw or lightly cooked dishes be frozen at –20 °C for at least 24 hours to eradicate parasites. Nevertheless, dead worms can still be present in smoked or pickled fish, and certain parasites resist salting or marinating, only dying after a brief 60 °C cooking period. Consuming live larvae can trigger severe illness or allergic reactions, underscoring the importance of “sushi‑grade” labelling.Mineral‑based additives also hide in plain sight. Ingredients such as calcium carbonate (chalk), phosphoric acid, and monocalcium phosphate are mined from limestone, phosphate rock in Morocco and China, and then incorporated as dough conditioners or acidity regulators. Titanium dioxide, a bright white pigment derived from ilmenite, has been banned in the EU since 2022 due to concerns over nanoparticle accumulation and potential DNA damage, though the UK’s FSA is still reviewing the evidence.Even seemingly innocuous components like silicon dioxide (anti‑caking agent) and gypsum (calcium sulphate) are sourced from sand and ancient sea‑bed deposits, respectively. While generally regarded as safe, excessive consumption can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.Ice‑cream and other low‑fat desserts often rely on cellulose derivatives—carboxymethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose—produced as by‑products of the wood‑pulp industry. A 2022 study linked carboxymethyl cellulose to transient stomach pain and a possible disturbance of gut microbiota, prompting debate over the safety of the large‑scale emulsifier intake typical of modern diets.Plant‑based sausages frequently contain methyl cellulose as a thermoreversible gel, giving them a meat‑like texture. Professor Barry Smith of University College London notes that such additives can make vegetarian products “convincingly” meat‑like, but the health implications of chronic consumption remain under‑researched.Overall, the article underscores a paradox: while ultra‑processed foods can improve shelf‑life and accessibility, they also conceal a cocktail of ingredients—some benign, others potentially harmful. Consumers are urged to scrutinise ingredient lists, favour products with transparent sourcing, and support regulatory bodies that demand rigorous, long‑term safety testing for all food additives.

Eddie Howe affirmed that his personal confidence has not wavered, even as Newcastle United recorded their eighth defeat in the last 11 Premier League fixtures. The Magpies were humbled 2-1 by Bournemouth at St James' Park, marking a fourth straight loss across all competitions. The visitors extended their impressive 13‑match unbeaten league run thanks to goals from Marcus Tavernier and Adrien Truffert. Howe acknowledged the harsh reality, stating that while belief in himself, his staff, and his methods is essential, eight defeats out of eleven simply isn’t sufficient. He described winning as “the very simple remedy” yet admitted that “delivering it is very hard” as momentum currently favors opponents. He highlighted two core problems: a lack of decisive action in the final third and defensive frailties, describing the situation as “systemic” and expressing “great frustration” at repeating the same criticisms. Looking ahead, the 48‑year‑old manager noted that Newcastle’s 14th‑place side will travel to Arsenal next weekend, and that his job is under scrutiny by the club’s hierarchy. He confessed to feeling “all the negative emotions” surrounding the recent run. Despite the pressure, Howe defended his coaching philosophy, emphasizing that preparation remains “total” and training sessions are “as intense as any this season”. He stressed that the team focuses on “fluidity, not rigidity”, and he sees “full commitment” rather than any attitude issues on the training ground. The manager also addressed the loss of England full‑back Tino Livramento, who left the field with a hamstring injury, noting that such setbacks test the squad’s mental strength. Howe admitted the side has become “too easy to beat” and that a pattern of under‑performing in crucial moments has emerged, but he remains convinced the trend can be reversed. In related news, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola announced his departure at the end of the season, yet his side continued their surge, closing within four points of Liverpool for the final Champions League berth. Iraola praised his players for maintaining composure, pressing after halftime, and staying calm after conceding, adding that a European qualification would be “massive” and a historic first for many of the squad.

When Franco Manca opened its first outlet in Brixton Market in 2008, its affordable, slow‑fermented sourdough pizzas quickly became a London sensation, drawing long queues and media buzz.Fast‑forward to 2026, the chain announced the closure of 16 restaurants via a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), endangering around 225 jobs. The sites slated for shutdown include nine locations in London – notably the original Brixton shop – as well as outlets in Hove and Glasgow.CEO Marcel Khan attributed the pull‑back to a “string of external cost pressures” hitting the hospitality sector, citing higher national‑insurance contributions, the living‑wage increase and rising business rates that have rendered several stores financially unsustainable.Despite speculation about a UK “peak pizza” moment, industry analysts say demand for pizza remains robust. Consultant Peter Backman notes that sourdough pizza now represents roughly 20% of all pizza sales and that the overall pizza market is growing faster than inflation.The sourdough trend, which exploded online during the pandemic, has migrated into supermarkets. Backman estimates that retail now accounts for about half of all pizza sales, and Mintel data shows sourdough‑based pizza products made up 29% of new launches between 2022 and 2025.However, the premium perception of sourdough means it commands higher prices. While a Margherita was £4.60 at the chain’s debut, recent visits record prices near £10, a jump that food‑blogger Gerry del Guercio says has eroded the brand’s original value proposition.Competitive pressure is also intensifying. Independent pizzerias and rivals such as Rudy’s and Pizza Pilgrims have accelerated growth, leveraging social media to attract cost‑conscious consumers who now favour supermarket‑bought pizzas or home‑baked alternatives.Industry observers, including CGA consultant Reuben Pullan, argue that Franco Manca’s challenges are less about waning consumer interest and more about the “unfortunate churn” caused by higher energy and procurement costs across a large estate of sites.Backman adds that the CVA could ultimately be beneficial, allowing the chain to shed under‑performing stores and regain financial flexibility. He concludes that Franco Manca still possesses a strong brand and a product in demand, suggesting the chain may stabilise after the restructuring.

Survivors of alleged sexual abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, are demanding justice for those they claim enabled and turned a blind eye to the abuse. A group of 50 survivors, supported by prominent figures including actor Richard Gere and women's rights advocate Gloria Allred, are seeking more than just financial compensation. “If they think the money is the important factor, they are so far off the mark,” said Jen Mills, a member of the Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors group. The group claims there are “dozens of individuals who must be held to account” across various eras. The campaign group is pushing for Harrods to release the findings of an internal investigation into what staff knew about the abuse. They also want stricter regulation of HR professionals and an explanation for why the Metropolitan police and General Medical Council did not investigate complaints at the time. “It’s not just about what happened to us, it’s about making sure that this stops and that this doesn’t get to continue to the generations coming through,” Mills emphasized. Harrods recently closed a compensation scheme set up after dozens of women came forward with allegations of abuse by Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94. Harrods states that the scheme represents only one form of redress available to survivors and was designed to provide resolution without a protracted legal process. A spokesperson for Harrods said: “We recognise differing views, however Harrods has always stated that the scheme represents only one form of redress available to survivors.” The group plans to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and is seeking a committee of MPs to help push forward an investigation into the abuse at Harrods and the lack of prosecutions.

10 pm – ITV1: The Murder Line introduces viewers to a gritty Canadian thriller where Minnie Driver plays a formidable crime‑family matriarch. Detective Henry Roland (Stephen Amell) uncovers a link between his childhood friend and a drug ring, thrusting him into Driver’s dangerous world amid a double‑murder plot. 7 pm – Channel 4: Secret Africa: Into the Wild follows explorer Lucy Shepherd on a six‑week trek across Tanzania. She joins nomadic tribesmen, helps build shelters and even harvests honey from a hive, offering an intimate look at the region’s landscapes and cultures. 7 pm – Channel 5: Queen Elizabeth II: The Unseen Photos reveals never‑before‑published images that show the monarch in candid, relaxed moments. Historians and biographers, including Andrew Morton, discuss how these pictures contrast with the public persona of the world’s most photographed woman. 7.50 pm – BBC Two: Inside Britain’s National Parks continues its series with an episode on Dartmoor’s uplands, featuring high‑definition footage of leaping salmon, carnivorous sundew plants, and traditional sheep‑dog training. 8 pm – Channel 4: World’s Most Secret Hotels returns with sweeping drone visuals of ultra‑luxury lodges, including a remote retreat on the world’s largest salt flats and Norwegian mountain cabins delivered by helicopter. 8.30 pm – BBC Two: Black British Music at the BBC: Volume 1 offers a two‑and‑a‑half‑hour archive showcase curated by Trevor Nelson, celebrating artists from Winifred Atwell to Olivia Dean and highlighting the legacy of Soul II Soul, Neneh Cherry, Sade and So Solid Crew. Sport coverage includes the opening day of the Snooker World Championship at the Crucible Theatre (10 am, BBC Two), Premier League fixtures (Brentford v Fulham at 11 am on TNT Sports 1, Chelsea v Man Utd at 7 pm, Tottenham v Brighton at 5 pm on Sky Sports), the Scottish Grand National from Ayr (12.45 pm, ITV1), Women’s Six Nations (Scotland v England at 1 pm, BBC Two), Premiership Rugby (Exeter v Northampton at 2.30 pm, TNT Sports 2) and the Women’s International Football World Cup qualifier (Iceland v England at 4.45 pm, ITV4).