Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 1 May 2019

1. Japan’s new emperor takes throne

Japan’s new emperor, Naruhito, pledged to be a “symbol of the state and unity” during a short but symbolic ceremony at the Imperial Palace today to formally recognise his accession to the chrysanthemum throne. The 59-year-old is replacing his father, 85-year-old Akihito, who became the first emperor in more than 200 years to abdicate after saying he felt unable to fulfil his role because of declining health.

2. Maduro claims Guadio ‘coup’ suppressed

Nicolas Maduro has claimed victory over what he described as a “deranged coup” attempt by supporters of his rival for the presidency of Venezuela, Juan Guaido. The US alleges that Maduro had been ready to flee the country for Havana after violence broke out yesterday, but changed his mind at the last minute following an intervention by his ally Russia.

3. Trump-Russia: Mueller critical of Barr

US Special Counsel Robert Mueller wrote an angry letter to Attorney General Robert Barr criticising his summary of the investigation into potential ties between Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia, according to multiple reports. Mueller said Barr’s report on links “did not fully capture the context, nature, and substance” of the special counsel’s findings, US media claims. The four-page summary largely cleared the president of potential obstruction of justice.

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4. US policeman guilty of murdering Australian

A former policeman in Minnesota has been found guilty of murdering an unarmed Australian woman who had called 911 to report a possible sexual assault happening near her home. Mohamed Noor shot dead 40-year-old Justine Ruszczyk Damond on 15 July 2017 as she approached his patrol car. Noor, 33, claimed he opened fire because he feared he and his partner were being ambushed.

5. Defendant pours acid on himself in court

A man was rushed to hospital yesterday after pouring acid on himself at Inner London Crown Court as a judge sentenced him to two years and four months in jail. Marc Marshall, 54, had pleaded guilty to cheque fraud offences totalling £135,000. He is said to be in a critical condition.

6. Leeds becomes first city to lower childhood obesity

Leeds has made history by becoming the first city in the UK to lower its rate of childhood obesity, after running a programme in schools that encourages youngsters to cut down on junk food. Obesity rates among children starting school in the Yorkshire city have fallen from 9.4% to 8.8% over the past four years, on average. The biggest drop was among the most deprived fifth of children, from 11.5% to 10.5%.

7. White Tory-voting comic on diversity panel

A white man who calls himself “the UK’s only declared Conservative comedian” because he votes Tory has been appointed to the BBC’s diversity and inclusion panel. The newly-reconstituted group is charged with ensuring the state broadcaster is representative of Britons. Geoff Norcott, 42, is one of five external appointees to the panel.

8. Cocaine found in rural river wildlife

Cocaine and ketamine are among the pollutants that have been found in river creatures in the largely rural county of Suffolk, researchers at King’s College London say. As well as trace amounts of the illicit drugs, the scientists also found traces of pesticides that have been banned in the UK for many years, in shrimp and other animals. The team want to research other counties.

9. Free cash machines ‘disappearing fast’

Consumer group Which? has warned that free cash machines are disappearing at a rapid rate across Britain, with 1,700 starting to charge for withdrawals in the first three months of this year alone. The consumer group predicts the country may lose a further 13% of its free ATMs in the next few months, amid plans by cashpoint providers such as Cardtronics to introduce fees of at least 95p per withdrawal at more of their machines.

10. Who is Naruhito, Japan’s new emperor?

Japan’s Emperor Akihito has marked the end of his three-decade reign with a ceremony in Tokyo as he abdicates in favour of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito.

Who is Naruhito, Japan’s new emperor?