The News Matrix: Monday 20 April 2015

Councils ‘break law’ on improving homes

Two thirds of councils are failing to complete home adaptations within the one-year legal limit, according to new research. Critics say a “culture of law-breaking” within local authorities means disabled people are stranded in their own homes. People living in unsuitable homes cost the NHS an estimated £300m a year.

Turin Shroud back on public display

The Turin Shroud, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, has gone back on public display in the city’s cathedral after a four-month break. The cloth is on show until 24 June and one million people have signed up to see it. Some sceptics point to carbon dating that suggests it is a Medieval forgery from the 1300s.

Security researcher stopped from flying

United Airlines stopped a security researcher from boarding a flight after he posted comments on social media suggesting the airline’s onboard systems could be hacked. Chris Roberts attempted to board the flight from Colorado to San Francisco but was stopped by the airline’s corporate security.

‘420’ crowd gather in support of cannabis

A large crowd of drugs campaigners gathered in Hyde Park in London at the “420 Day Celebration” yesterday to hear speeches in support of cannabis, decriminalisation, and to smoke the Class B drug. Thousands of supporters were greeted by police warning signs which stated that “Cannabis Is Illegal”.

Fears over UK family ‘on way to Syria’

A missing Muslim family are feared to be on their way to Syria, police have said. Asif Malik, his wife, Sara Kiran, and four children aged between seven and one were seen boarding a ferry from Dover to Calais before travelling south through Europe by train, according to Thames Valley Police.

Tehran returns to anti-US rhetoric

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused the United States of creating “myths” about his country’s capability for nuclear weapons. The highest authority in Iran said: “They created the myth of nuclear weapons so they could say the Islamic Republic is a threat. No, the threat is America itself.”

Miliband launches NHS attack on Tories

Labour is beginning a week of campaigning on the NHS with a claim the Tories plan to privatise parts of the health service. Ed Miliband will today claim David Cameron “poses a risk” to the NHS, as a survey of 115 Tory councillors found 26 backed charging for some services.

Banned Russian’s island visit

Norway was seeking an explanation from Moscow last night over how Russia’s deputy Prime Minister was able to travel to one of its islands. Dmitry Rogozin posted pictures of himself on Svalbard island on Saturday, despite being on a list of people banned after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine.

Reagan’s would-be killer may be freed

The last man to shoot a US president could be permanently released this week after more than 30 years in hospital. John Hinckley Jr was 25 when he shot Ronald Reagan and three others in 1981. Jurors found him not guilty by reason of insanity. Hinckley may now be released to live with his mother.

Affleck ‘tries to hide his slavery history’

Leaked emails suggest Hollywood actor Ben Affleck sought to cover up the fact that one of his ancestors was a slave owner. Emails, released online by Wikileaks allege that Affleck demanded that TV executives conceal the role a distant family member played in slavery. Mr Affleck has not yet commented on the claims.

109-year-old tortoise reunited with owner

Toby, a 109-year-old tortoise, has been returned to his Dover garden 11 months after disappearing, to the “absolute delight” of his owner. Wendy Stokes, 74, who lives in West Hougham was reunited with her pet after being tracked down by a man in Margate. Toby had been rescued from a road in May, taken to a shelter and rehomed.