Stories from Kent · United Kingdom

A reform local government initiative, referred to as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has reportedly failed. The councillor running the initiative admitted there was no waste to cut and subsequently resigned. The program never expanded beyond Kent.

The individuals received jail terms between five and seven years. The group reportedly killed the man last summer under the mistaken belief that he was a pedophile. Three teenagers have been sentenced for the manslaughter of Alexander Cashford on a beach in Kent last August. A 16-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were found guilty and given seven years in custody. A third 16-year-old boy, who previously pleaded guilty, received a five-year sentence. The victims' family believed the deceased was a pedophile, according to the report.

The M2 motorway in Kent is closed eastbound from junction 1 at Strud to junction 3 at Chatham due to an ongoing investigation into a serious accident. The M4 motorway in Berkshire is closed westbound from junction 14 at Hungerford to junction 15 at Swindon East. Traffic is reported as slow on the approach to the M4 closure. These closures are part of separate incidents occurring on Sunday. A serious accident in Kent is blocking the westbound side of the A2 at Borton and Underbleen, spanning from Gates Services to the M2 at Brenley Corner. In London, police incidents have closed sections of Harrow Road between Tubbs Road and Scrubbs Lane, and Acre Lane in Brixton between Battry Road and Porden Road. Additionally, a serious accident involving a lorry has blocked the A75 in Dumfries and Galloway between the Bloomfield and Brownrigg roundabouts.

Warm spring temperatures and cool nights have led to an unusually early strawberry harvest in Kent, UK.