Latest News
- Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship MV Hondius Docks in Rotterdam for Quarantine
- Two Teens ‘Sexually Assaulted on Great Yarmouth Beach’, Manhunt Underway
- US intensifies blockade on Cuba amid accusations of drone threats
- Hungary prepares to engage with Ukraine on minority rights issues
- Russia Attacks Ukraine with Extensive Drone Strikes, Claims Casualties
- London Tube Strikes Confirmed for This Week: What You Should Know
- EU and US officials prepare to revisit trade deal before 4 July deadline
- Father killed in shark attack while spearfishing off Rottnest Island, Australia
The i - Smart motorways ban: pressure grows to scrap entire network across Britian
Summary of the front page
The i reports on the growing pressure to scrap smart motorways amid rising deaths linked to the roads and concerns over their cost.
For a second day running, the i newspaper’s lead story is about the reported ban on new smart motorways, and the mounting pressure to scrap the entire network across Britain amid safety concerns. The paper reported on Thursday that none of the planned new roads would go ahead.
Its Good Friday edition turns its attention to the families of some of those who have died on the roads. “It’s the existing smart motorways that are killing us,” a widow of a man who died on the M1 tells the paper.
Today's top stories
Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship MV Hondius Docks in Rotterdam for Quarantine
May 18, 2026
3:02 pm
The MV Hondius has docked in Rotterdam, Netherlands, following a hantavirus outbreak. While carrying 25 crew members and two medical personnel, the vessel, which saw three passenger deaths, will undergo decontamination. Health authorities have confirmed nine infections among remaining crew. All onboard are asymptomatic.
Two Teens ‘Sexually Assaulted on Great Yarmouth Beach’, Manhunt Underway
May 18, 2026
3:00 pm
UK MORNING BRIEFING
Two teenage girls reported being raped in Great Yarmouth early this morning. Police have arrested one suspect and are searching for a second man aged in his thirties or forties.
US intensifies blockade on Cuba amid accusations of drone threats
May 18, 2026
2:00 pm
The US has intensified its blockade on Cuba, exacerbating tensions as Donald Trump alleges drone threats from Havana. The ongoing energy crisis threatens food and medical supplies. Reports suggest the US aims to change Cuba’s leadership by 2026; negotiations continue with insiders.
Hungary prepares to engage with Ukraine on minority rights issues
May 18, 2026
1:00 pm
Hungary has signalled readiness to engage with Ukraine under new Prime Minister Péter Magyar, aiming to resolve issues concerning the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia. Discussions may pave the way for lifting Budapest’s veto on Ukraine’s EU accession, contingent on guarantees for minority rights.
Russia Attacks Ukraine with Extensive Drone Strikes, Claims Casualties
May 18, 2026
12:01 pm
BODIES FOUND
Four missing Italian divers discovered in Maldives caves this morning.
Search efforts continue as authorities investigate the incident.
London Tube Strikes Confirmed for This Week: What You Should Know
May 18, 2026
9:00 am
UK MORNING BRIEFING
This morning, Londoners prepare for Tube strikes following failed negotiations between the RMT union and London Underground management over working hours. Disruptions are expected on multiple lines throughout the week.
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