hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. a toxic blend of paranoia and gun violence, four shootings in five days that highlights the cancer in american society. the victims all young, shot simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. donald trump's senior adviser and legal counsel boris epshteyn is being interviewed today by the special counsel who is investigating both the former president's retention of classified documents and his role in the january 6 assault on the capitol. which one he is being questioned about, we don't really know.

but the interview, which was requested by special counsel prosecutors, marks a moment of potential peril for trump, given that epshteyn has been one of his closest advisers in recent years, with more knowledge about his affairs than perhaps anyone else. let's speak to our correspondent anthony zurcher in washington. knows a thing or two, mr epshteyn, anthony? knows a thing or two, mr epshteyn, anthon ? . ., , ., , anthony? yeah, he does. he was there, in anthony? yeah, he does. he was there. in the _ anthony? yeah, he does. he was there, in the inner— anthony? yeah, he does. he was there, in the inner circle - anthony? yeah, he does. he was there, in the inner circle of- anthony? yeah, he does. he was| there, in the inner circle of donald trump, during those last few weeks of trump's presidency, as they were attempting to challenge the election results. apparently had some arguments with other members of donald trump's inner circle, very famously during the january 6 hearings, eric herschmann, a senior adviser to donald trump, said that epshteyn was an idiot and he would not trust his legal advice, but epshteyn did have donald trump's ir and he has hung around donald trump after his presidency. was also advising him, reportedly, on donald trump's handling of response for

requests for class documents that were brought from the white house to mar—a—lago after he left the presidency, which were ultimately found by the fbi in that famous raid last august. found by the fbi in that famous raid last august-— last august. stay with us, anthony. i have more — last august. stay with us, anthony. i have more questions _ last august. stay with us, anthony. i have more questions for _ last august. stay with us, anthony. i have more questions for you. - let's speak now to former federal prosecutor katie cherkasky, who joins us from new york. is there some suggestion that epshteyn has legal exposure himself? there is always that possibility. we will not _ there is always that possibility. we will not know until these investigations are completed and recommendations are given to merrick garland, _ recommendations are given to merrick garland, but_ recommendations are given to merrick garland, but we do to the mr trump has been _ garland, but we do to the mr trump has been investigated for many years over a _ has been investigated for many years over a variety of different issues and many— over a variety of different issues and many of his attorneys have been questioned _ and many of his attorneys have been questioned before and only one has thus far_ questioned before and only one has thus far gone to prison which is michael— thus far gone to prison which is michael cohen. it remains to be seen, _ michael cohen. it remains to be seen. but — michael cohen. it remains to be seen, but it is certainly possible. do you _ seen, but it is certainly possible. do you see — seen, but it is certainly possible. do you see more legaljeopardy for donald trump in these two cases, given who has been subpoenaed, then perhaps the one we were talking about a couple of weeks ago in new

york? �* ., g ., ., , about a couple of weeks ago in new york? 1, g. ., , ~ about a couple of weeks ago in new york? both the january 6 case in the mar-a-lago documents _ york? both the january 6 case in the mar-a-lago documents case - york? both the january 6 case in the mar-a-lago documents case are - york? both the january 6 case in the | mar-a-lago documents case are very mar—a—lago documents case are very interesting — mar—a—lago documents case are very interesting legal situations for mr trumo _ interesting legal situations for mr trumo in — interesting legal situations for mr trump. in terms of whether there might— trump. in terms of whether there might be — trump. in terms of whether there might be an indictment that comes out of— might be an indictment that comes out of either of those investigations, i think a lot of people — investigations, i think a lot of people believe that is possible. i do think— people believe that is possible. i do think also that there are significant number of defences, legally— significant number of defences, legally speaking, that trump will raise. _ legally speaking, that trump will raise. and — legally speaking, that trump will raise, and many of them are probably quite viable. — raise, and many of them are probably quite viable, but again, the january 6 investigation has been very robust and has _ 6 investigation has been very robust and has encompassed pretty much everybody in trump's inner circle, so certainly — everybody in trump's inner circle, so certainly going to have a lot of information that comes from that in the recommendations, again, for indictment — the recommendations, again, for indictment after this investigation concludes. �* ., , indictment after this investigation concludes. ., , indictment after this investigation concludes. �* ., , ., ~ concludes. anthony, can we talk about some _ concludes. anthony, can we talk about some thing _ concludes. anthony, can we talk about some thing going - concludes. anthony, can we talk about some thing going on? - concludes. anthony, can we talk about some thing going on? he | concludes. anthony, can we talk. about some thing going on? he is concludes. anthony, can we talk - about some thing going on? he is due to appearfor a lawsuit, from ejean

carroll, who accuses him of raping her in a department store. we have taken our eye off this case, but he is not going to show up, his lawyer says he will not be in cordials why not? . . says he will not be in cordials why not? ., , ., ., , not? the last i had heard, his la er not? the last i had heard, his lawyer had — not? the last i had heard, his lawyer had not _ not? the last i had heard, his lawyer had not decided - not? the last i had heard, his. lawyer had not decided whether not? the last i had heard, his- lawyer had not decided whether he would show up in court. he does not have to. it is a civil case, there is no requirement the defendant shows up, and in fact donald trump's lawyer in making this request said he would like to informed thejury informed the jury that the reason he is not showing up is that he does not want to cause disruption for new yorkers by his appearance also the judges not buying that. does yorkers by his appearance also the judges not buying that.— judges not buying that. does it matter if he — judges not buying that. does it matter if he does _ judges not buying that. does it matter if he does not - judges not buying that. does it matter if he does not show- judges not buying that. does it matter if he does not show up| judges not buying that. does it l matter if he does not show up to judges not buying that. does it - matter if he does not show up to a civil case? it matter if he does not show up to a civil case? . ., , matter if he does not show up to a civil case?— civil case? it certainly because matter. civil case? it certainly because matter- the — civil case? it certainly because matter. the jury _ civil case? it certainly because matter. the jury could - civil case? it certainly because matter. the jury could draw i matter. thejury could draw inferences from that, and donald trump not being able to present his own defence, show his face there, could have an impact, but it is a

decision by his lawyers on whether it makes the most sense for his defence whether to include him there were not. do defence whether to include him there were not. , ., ., ., ., were not. do you have a view on this? it were not. do you have a view on this? it is _ were not. do you have a view on this? it is a _ were not. do you have a view on this? it is a case _ were not. do you have a view on this? it is a case have _ were not. do you have a view on this? it is a case have not - this? it is a case have not been people are talking about, but it has serious implications if thejury were to side against donald trump? it certainly does have very serious applications, because even though it is a defamation trial, it has an allegation— is a defamation trial, it has an allegation of sexual assault at the heart _ allegation of sexual assault at the heart of— allegation of sexual assault at the heart of it, and so obviously... a heart of it, and so obviously... criminal case could come from it? i think that there are some issues with a _ think that there are some issues with a committal allegations, because _ with a committal allegations, because of the statute of limitations. i don't believe that is viable. _ limitations. i don't believe that is viable. but — limitations. i don't believe that is viable, but even if there is a civil finding _ viable, but even if there is a civil finding that _ viable, but even if there is a civil finding that he was liable for something like that, certainly maybe that could _ something like that, certainly maybe that could impact him moving forward _ that could impact him moving forward. it would not stop him from being _ forward. it would not stop him from being able _ forward. it would not stop him from being able to campaign, but, again, ifthat— being able to campaign, but, again, if that was— being able to campaign, but, again, if that was the finding, certainly could _ if that was the finding, certainly could be — if that was the finding, certainly could be impactful in some ways for

sure _ could be impactful in some ways for sure. . ~ ., , ., sure. yeah. anthony, the reason i set all these _ sure. yeah. anthony, the reason i set all these things _ sure. yeah. anthony, the reason i set all these things out _ sure. yeah. anthony, the reason i set all these things out is - sure. yeah. anthony, the reason ij set all these things out is because obviously we are starting to look towards the primary season and a lot of people just think there's too much baggage here for donald trump, and we have brian kemp of the —— the governor of georgia saying not a single swing vote or vote for us if we are konsa looking back in the mirror. do you think this is starting to weigh... i the mirror. do you think this is starting to weigh. . ._ the mirror. do you think this is starting to weigh... i 'ust know if the are starting to weigh... i 'ust know if they are starting _ starting to weigh... i 'ust know if they are starting to _ starting to weigh... ijust know if they are starting to weigh - starting to weigh... ijust know if they are starting to weigh on - starting to weigh... ijust know if| they are starting to weigh on him starting to weigh... ijust know if. they are starting to weigh on him as a primary campaigner, as primary candidate. it seems like he is doing quite well, in fact opening up some distance between him and ron desantis, who has not formally announced, the florida governor, but is considered the most likely bible of donald trump's. but in the general election, absolutely this could wait him down. a polljust came out asking what they thought, whether they thought trump broke the law in they thought trump broke the law in the right of these cases. ai% said

they thought he broke the law in the hush money case. 49% in the generally six probe, 53% of respondents said he broke the law in that fulton county georgia investigation into pressuring to change the election results. only 20% of americans thought he did no wrong in any of those. it does show that the american public by and large thinks he broke the law, and thatis large thinks he broke the law, and that is not going to help, certainly, his campaign. miles, i am sor i certainly, his campaign. miles, i am sorry i have — certainly, his campaign. miles, i am sorry i have frozen _ certainly, his campaign. miles, i am sorry i have frozen you _ certainly, his campaign. miles, i am sorry i have frozen you out - certainly, his campaign. miles, i am sorry i have frozen you out of- certainly, his campaign. miles, i am sorry i have frozen you out of the i sorry i have frozen you out of the conversation, we had some problems with our ai! talk to me about what you see in this race, because donald trump still... we still have to consider him the perceptive candidate, don't we? you absolutely do, and candidate, don't we? you absolutely do. and what — candidate, don't we? you absolutely do. and what it _ candidate, don't we? you absolutely do, and what it tells _ candidate, don't we? you absolutely do, and what it tells you, _ do, and what it tells you, christian. _ do, and what it tells you, christian, about - do, and what it tells you, christian, about the - do, and what it tells you, - christian, about the american do, and what it tells you, _ christian, about the american system isjust_ christian, about the american system isjust look— christian, about the american system is just look at — christian, about the american system is just look at the _ christian, about the american system is just look at the stats _ christian, about the american system is just look at the stats that _ is just look at the stats that anthony— is just look at the stats that anthonyiust_ is just look at the stats that anthonyjust pointed - is just look at the stats that anthonyjust pointed to. - is just look at the stats that l anthonyjust pointed to. even is just look at the stats that - anthonyjust pointed to. even if the majority_ anthonyjust pointed to. even if the majority or— anthonyjust pointed to. even if the majority or slight _ anthonyjust pointed to. even if the majority or slight majority- anthonyjust pointed to. even if the majority or slight majority of- majority or slight majority of americans— majority or slight majority of americans think— majority or slight majority of americans think the - majority or slight majority of americans think the formerl majority or slight majority of- americans think the former president broke _ americans think the former president broke the _ americans think the former president broke the law. — americans think the former president broke the law, somehow— americans think the former president broke the law, somehow he - americans think the former president broke the law, somehow he is - americans think the former president broke the law, somehow he is still. broke the law, somehow he is still the front— broke the law, somehow he is still the front runner— broke the law, somehow he is still the front runner for— broke the law, somehow he is still the front runner for the _ broke the law, somehow he is still| the front runner for the republican

nomination — the front runner for the republican nomination. what _ the front runner for the republican nomination. what that _ the front runner for the republican nomination. what that tells - the front runner for the republican nomination. what that tells you i nomination. what that tells you about _ nomination. what that tells you about the — nomination. what that tells you about the political— nomination. what that tells you about the political system - nomination. what that tells you about the political system at. nomination. what that tells you | about the political system at the moment— about the political system at the moment is— about the political system at the moment is it _ about the political system at the moment is it is _ about the political system at the moment is it is still— about the political system at the moment is it is still governed i about the political system at the moment is it is still governed byj moment is it is still governed by the extremes _ moment is it is still governed by the extremes. we _ moment is it is still governed by the extremes. we tend - moment is it is still governed by the extremes. we tend to- moment is it is still governed by the extremes. we tend to see . moment is it is still governed by- the extremes. we tend to see roughly the extremes. we tend to see roughly the 10% _ the extremes. we tend to see roughly the 10% most — the extremes. we tend to see roughly the 10% most ideological— the extremes. we tend to see roughly the 10% most ideological voters- the 10% most ideological voters really— the 10% most ideological voters really dominate _ the 10% most ideological voters really dominate the _ the 10% most ideological voters really dominate the primary - the 10% most ideological voters- really dominate the primary process, but then— really dominate the primary process, but then by— really dominate the primary process, but then by that _ really dominate the primary process, but then by that time _ really dominate the primary process, but then by that time that _ really dominate the primary process, but then by that time that person - but then by that time that person -ets but then by that time that person gets in— but then by that time that person gets in the — but then by that time that person gets in the general— but then by that time that person gets in the general election, - but then by that time that person gets in the general election, youi gets in the general election, you have _ gets in the general election, you have a _ gets in the general election, you have a population _ gets in the general election, you have a population that _ gets in the general election, you have a population that is - gets in the general election, you l have a population that is deciding, let's say. — have a population that is deciding, let's say. 80% _ have a population that is deciding, let's say. 80% of _ have a population that is deciding, let's say, 80% of america, - have a population that is deciding, i let's say, 80% of america, deciding on candidates — let's say, 80% of america, deciding on candidates that _ let's say, 80% of america, deciding on candidates that have _ let's say, 80% of america, deciding on candidates that have been - let's say, 80% of america, deciding i on candidates that have been chosen by roughly— on candidates that have been chosen by roughly 20% — on candidates that have been chosen by roughly 20% of _ on candidates that have been chosen by roughly 20% of america. - on candidates that have been chosen by roughly 20% of america. that - on candidates that have been chosen by roughly 20% of america. that is l by roughly 20% of america. that is proving _ by roughly 20% of america. that is proving to— by roughly 20% of america. that is proving to again _ by roughly 20% of america. that is proving to again become _ by roughly 20% of america. that is proving to again become a - by roughly 20% of america. that is| proving to again become a problem by roughly 20% of america. that is i proving to again become a problem in this 24 _ proving to again become a problem in this 24 cycle. — proving to again become a problem in this 24 cycle. by— proving to again become a problem in this .24 cycle, by putting _ proving to again become a problem in this .24 cycle, by putting someone i this .24 cycle, by putting someone forward _ this .24 cycle, by putting someone forward that — this .24 cycle, by putting someone forward that the _ this .24 cycle, by putting someone forward that the majority- this .24 cycle, by putting someone forward that the majority of- this .24 cycle, by putting someone forward that the majority of the . forward that the majority of the country — forward that the majority of the country views _ forward that the majority of the country views as _ forward that the majority of the country views as an _ forward that the majority of the country views as an extreme i country views as an extreme political— country views as an extreme political candidate, - country views as an extreme political candidate, and i country views as an extreme i political candidate, and again one that is— political candidate, and again one that is potentially— political candidate, and again one that is potentially a _ political candidate, and again one that is potentially a criminal. i- that is potentially a criminal. i don't — that is potentially a criminal. i don't see _ that is potentially a criminal. i don't see a _ that is potentially a criminal. i don't see a lot _ that is potentially a criminal. i don't see a lot of— that is potentially a criminal. i don't see a lot of off- that is potentially a criminal. i don't see a lot of off ramps i that is potentially a criminal. i| don't see a lot of off ramps for that— don't see a lot of off ramps for that at— don't see a lot of off ramps for that at the _ don't see a lot of off ramps for that at the moment, _ don't see a lot of off ramps for that at the moment, pleading i don't see a lot of off ramps for. that at the moment, pleading the potential— that at the moment, pleading the potential competitors— that at the moment, pleading the potential competitors who - that at the moment, pleading the potential competitors who could i potential competitors who could challenge — potential competitors who could challenge trump _ potential competitors who could challenge trump of— potential competitors who could challenge trump of all- potential competitors who could challenge trump of all of- potential competitors who could challenge trump of all of whom| potential competitors who could i challenge trump of all of whom fall much _ challenge trump of all of whom fall much below— challenge trump of all of whom fall much below donald _ challenge trump of all of whom fall much below donald trump. - challenge trump of all of whom fall much below donald trump. it- challenge trump of all of whom fall much below donald trump. [it is. much below donald trump. it is amazin: much below donald trump. it is amazing to _ much below donald trump. it is amazing to me, _ much below donald trump. it is amazing to me, jack, _ much below donald trump. ii}. it amazing to me, jack, and much below donald trump.- amazing to me, jack, and maybe much below donald trump.— amazing to me, jack, and maybe you could stand back and give us your thoughts on it, that we have got donald trump firmly in the race the reports today thatjoe biden will probably declare next week, not that he is going to hit the campaign

trail, he canjust be president, but there are few states where they start to the fundraising over they start to the fundraising over they start to the fundraising over they start to build teams vertically in those key swing state like pennsylvania, georgia, wisconsin, that sort of thing. it will be amazing to people, but has gone before, that we are back to the same two candidates?— two candidates? yeah, it is jaw-dropping. _ two candidates? yeah, it is jaw-dropping, because i two candidates? yeah, it is jaw-dropping, because it i two candidates? yeah, it is i jaw-dropping, because it seemed two candidates? yeah, it is _ jaw-dropping, because it seemed like jaw—dropping, because it seemed like not many— jaw—dropping, because it seemed like not many people liked them the first time around! the problem that miles describes— time around! the problem that miles describes in terms of the sort of people — describes in terms of the sort of people who choose the candidates that the _ people who choose the candidates that the whole country decides on is certainly— that the whole country decides on is certainly not unique to the american system _ certainly not unique to the american system and — certainly not unique to the american system and we have seen the same issue _ system and we have seen the same issue here — system and we have seen the same issue here in the uk time and again. there _ issue here in the uk time and again. there was— issue here in the uk time and again. there was a — issue here in the uk time and again. there was a conservative party leadership contest just last year, and a _ leadership contest just last year, and a very— leadership contest just last year, and a very small group of tory members _ and a very small group of tory members chose this trust to be their leader. _ members chose this trust to be their leader. and — members chose this trust to be their leader, and without even an election in the _ leader, and without even an election in the uk _ leader, and without even an election in the uk system she became pregnant as or -- _ in the uk system she became pregnant as or -- chose — in the uk system she became pregnant as or —— chose liz truss. —— became prime minister. we saw how that was _ —— became prime minister. we saw how that was this _ —— became prime minister. we saw how that was. this is the flaw in the

system — that was. this is the flaw in the system. but from across the pond, this looks — system. but from across the pond, this looks like the dream ticket for the democrats tell me. you have got this legal— the democrats tell me. you have got this legal process which is actually looking _ this legal process which is actually looking like it is putting rocket boosters — looking like it is putting rocket boosters under donald trump's campaign — boosters under donald trump's campaign to get the nomination, while _ campaign to get the nomination, while at — campaign to get the nomination, while at the same time destroying his chances at ever winning the election — his chances at ever winning the election. what could be better for the democrats than that? it is election. what could be better for the democrats than that?- the democrats than that? it is a fair point. _ the democrats than that? it is a fair point, that, _ the democrats than that? it is a fair point, that, anthony? i the democrats than that? it is a fair point, that, anthony? the l the democrats than that? it is a i fair point, that, anthony? the final word on that, that democrats certainly would not be disappointed if it is donald trump? i certainly would not be disappointed if it is donald trump?— if it is donald trump? i think they are cautiously _ if it is donald trump? i think they are cautiously optimistic, - if it is donald trump? i think theyl are cautiously optimistic, although you know it kinda likely 16. democrats were hoping donald trump would be the nominee back then and it is a case of b careful at you wish for, you might get it. joe biden will feel the beat donald trump, he can beat it again, but you never know, politics can be unpredictable. i never know, politics can be unpredictable.— never know, politics can be unpredictable. i noticed 'ust toni . ht unpredictable. i noticed 'ust tonight as fl unpredictable. i noticed 'ust tonight as an i unpredictable. i noticed 'ust tonight as an incidentali unpredictable. i noticedjust tonight as an incidental that unpredictable. i noticed just i tonight as an incidental that he think that a federal abortion ban would be a losing proposalfor republicans and that is interesting, of course, because ron desantis, the

governor of florida, who will be seen as the main opponent, just signed into law a six—week abortion ban, so there is already some distance between them on a issue thatis distance between them on a issue that is very divisive in american politics. anthony, katie, lovely to see you. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. let's ta ke let's take a quick look at some of the other stories. john caldwell, the senior northern ireland detective who was shot multiple times in county tyrone in february, has been discharged from hospital. police believe the dissident republican group the new ira was behind the attack at a sports centre in omagh. the uk business lobby group the cbi says it is liaising closely with police after passing on fresh information about what it calls a "serious criminal offence". the city of london force is already investigating a separate claim that a woman was raped at a work party in 2019. the environmental group just stop oil says it

will "continue disrupting cultural and sporting events" and may target the london marathon on sunday. the race director hugh brasher says he has received "unique" assurances from another group, extinction rebellion, that they will help guard the event. the funeral of the british comedian and drag—artist paul o'grady has taken place near his home in kent. the tv entertainer, who died last month at the age of 67, was laid to rest following a private service. you're live with bbc news. lawyers for alec baldwin have confirmed to the bbc that all charges against the actor stemming from the fatal shooting of cinematographer halyna hutchins on the set of his western movie rust have been dropped. a reminder of what happened. in october 2021, baldwin was rehearsing a scene on the set at a ranch in new mexico, when the prop gun he was holding fired. it resulted in the death of the 42—year—old ukrainian—born cinematographer. charges of involuntary manslaughter were brought against him and the film's armourer hannah gutierrez reed, who you see here.

lawyers for both denied any wrongdoing. let's find out what is going on. for more on this, i'm joined by our correspondent sophie long. she is in la, i think, usually is in la. what do you think is happening here, sophie? i know they pleaded not guilty, but the prosecutor down there in santa fe seems pretty confident in the evidence he had. yeah, this has only broken in the last few minutes, christian, so we now know, we have only heard from alec baldwin's layers that the two charges of involuntary manslaughter against him are due to be dropped the stub that comes from his lawyers, who have issued a statement saying they welcome that news and they now encourage a full and proper report into the tragic circumstances and facts surrounding this tragic accident. as you rightly pointed out, this took place in october of 2021 halyna hutchins, 42 years old,

a rising star in the film world, she was shot by a gun alec baldwin was holding. we now know that that gun had live ammunition in it. it went through the director and struck halyna hutchins, who later died of her injuries. this news comes, the criminal charges against alec baldwin being dropped, as the filming of rust wasn't set to resume today in a new location in montana. the director, who was fiercely injured, is the director still of that film, there is a new cinematographer, but the cast any of the film felt very strongly they wanted to honour halyna and her legacy for some the filming was due get under way today after that hey —— hiatus in montana. now we got the news the charges were dropped. the lawyers were always clear the charge

of a wrong, they represented a gross miscarriage ofjustice. they said at the time they were filed injerry this year that they would fight them and they would win. now we hear today from them that the criminal charges against him are due to be dropped. i should charges against him are due to be dropped. ishould point charges against him are due to be dropped. i should point out, there are a slew of other civil cases in connection with this tragic incident, in relation to the death of halyna hutchins, both by her family in ukraine of a settlement was already rich with her husband, matthew hutchins, and her son, in the time since then, about a year after the shooting took place. so this the list of element. we have yet to hear from prosecutors this the list of element. we have yet to hearfrom prosecutors in new mexico, we wait for their reaction —— the latest development. mexico, we wait for their reaction -- the latest development. sophie, thank ou -- the latest development. sophie, thank you very _ -- the latest development. sophie, thank you very much _ -- the latest development. sophie, thank you very much indeed. i -- the latest development. sophie, i thank you very much indeed. speaking of guns... police are hunting a suspect in gaston county, north carolina, who shot a six—year—old girl and her parents because her basketball rolled into his yard — one of a series of incidents over the past few days where

young people have been shot after making the simple mistake of going to the wrong place. in hebron, new york, near the vermont border, 20—year—old kaylin gillis was shot and killed saturday when her boyfriend accidentally turned into the wrong driveway. and they were not there for very long. on monday, two teenage cheerleaders were shot and wounded in a parking lot in elgin, texas, when one of them mistook the suspect�*s car for their own. and in kansas city, 16—year—old ralph yarl was shot twice after he knocked on the door of the wrong home while trying to pick up his younger brothers. the 84—year—old who shot him was released on bail. miles taylor, look, we are used to talking about mass shootings in america, but this is something of a whole different level, where it is sort of a mix of paranoia, of gun violence in the possibly of racism as well. what is going on? christian, i am

as well. what is going on? christian, iam in as well. what is going on? christian, i am in one of the states right now, north carolina the more that first case you mentioned with the six—year—old happened, and i will tell you the folks that i was talking to today were just sort of disgusted by it but also i feel like the overriding sentiment is that people are inflated about it. there is a sense of hopelessness that something can't be done on this, because there has not really been much done on this by policymakers in recent years. it is really gridlock in washington that is preventing any action, but also the sense here, christian, is that something about this feels worse than it felt before the pandemic, and if you look at the numbers, there was actually a surge in gun purchases during the pandemic and people are thinking that that is resulting now in this post pandemic in a surge in shootings that otherwise should not have been happening. otherwise should not have been happening-— otherwise should not have been ha eninr. ., ., ., , ., happening. ok. so extraordinary, and of course all— happening. ok. so extraordinary, and of course all of _ happening. ok. so extraordinary, and of course all of them _ happening. ok. so extraordinary, and of course all of them will _ happening. ok. so extraordinary, and of course all of them will be - happening. ok. so extraordinary, and of course all of them will be billed i of course all of them will be billed and they will plead self—defense. at

least 28 states have stand your ground laws in america. but obviously lots of people debating whether stand your ground can be cited in any of these cases, and we shall see. now it's time for the panel. jack blanchard has picked a story tonight about vodka! i know him well! laughter which kind of vodka is your choice, jack blanchard? bill which kind of vodka is your choice, jack blanchard?— which kind of vodka is your choice, jack blanchard? all kinds of vodka. as ou jack blanchard? all kinds of vodka. as you may — jack blanchard? all kinds of vodka. as you may have — jack blanchard? all kinds of vodka. as you may have heard! _ jack blanchard? all kinds of vodka. as you may have heard! i- jack blanchard? all kinds of vodka. as you may have heard! i picked i jack blanchard? all kinds of vodka. i as you may have heard! i picked this story— as you may have heard! i picked this story because there were not many heart—warming stores coming out of the war— heart—warming stores coming out of the war in— heart—warming stores coming out of the war in ukraine, obviously, and here _ the war in ukraine, obviously, and here is— the war in ukraine, obviously, and here is one — the war in ukraine, obviously, and here is one of sorts stub russian vodka _ here is one of sorts stub russian vodka sales around the world more or less ground _ vodka sales around the world more or less ground to a halt after the illegal— less ground to a halt after the illegal invasion last year. so what have _ illegal invasion last year. so what have we _ illegal invasion last year. so what have we replaced them with in the west? it— have we replaced them with in the west? it turns out that little known ukrainian _ west? it turns out that little known ukrainian vodka brands are now having — ukrainian vodka brands are now having sales through the roof and the brand — having sales through the roof and the brand i had to look it up,

because _ the brand i had to look it up, because i had not heard of it before. _ because i had not heard of it before, ukrainian vodka, has doubled its sales— before, ukrainian vodka, has doubled its sales to _ before, ukrainian vodka, has doubled its sales to the uk in 12 months. and it _ its sales to the uk in 12 months. and it is — its sales to the uk in 12 months. and it is now trying to get distilling around—the—clock, which is difficult — distilling around—the—clock, which is difficult to do in ukraine at the moment— is difficult to do in ukraine at the moment given the power shortages and scroll on~ _ moment given the power shortages and scroll on i_ moment given the power shortages and scroll on. ijust thought, maybe we could _ scroll on. ijust thought, maybe we could all— scroll on. ijust thought, maybe we could all raise a glass this evening or this _ could all raise a glass this evening or this weekend of ukrainian vodka to the _ or this weekend of ukrainian vodka to the great people of ukraine into our bed _ to the great people of ukraine into our bed for— to the great people of ukraine into our bed for the war effort that way -- to— our bed for the war effort that way -- to our— our bed for the war effort that way -- to our bit~ _ our bed for the war effort that way -- to our bit-— -- to our bit. maybe we could do that, -- to our bit. maybe we could do that. just — -- to our bit. maybe we could do that. just for _ -- to our bit. maybe we could do that, just for a _ -- to our bit. maybe we could do that, just for a change. - -- to our bit. maybe we could do that, just for a change. miles i that, just for a change. miles taylor, what about your time for the panel? you want to go back to ai? irate panel? you want to go back to ai? we not to panel? you want to go back to ai? - got to keep the theme today, christian! and i will start off by saying i wish i could have sent my aa box to appear today as i'm grappling with wind on this rooftop in asheville! but this story is a bit tragic and bizarre. for those who are not aware, michael schumacher was a formula 1 driver for ferrari and in 2013 he actually had a tragic brain injury while he

was seeing, and since then, he has been out of the public eye until this week. he re—emerged, he was interviewed by german weekly magazine and he actually gave fans hope. he talked about his recovery, his accident, except it wasn't real. the interview had been done with an artificial intelligence bot that was pretending to be michael schumacher, his family is now suing, and i think this ties back to the conversation we had earlier. i think this isjust the tip of the iceberg. irate we had earlier. i think this is 'ust the tip of the icebergi the tip of the iceberg. we had the po -e in a the tip of the iceberg. we had the pope in a long _ the tip of the iceberg. we had the pope in a long coat. _ the tip of the iceberg. we had the pope in a long coat. i _ the tip of the iceberg. we had the pope in a long coat. i think it i pope in a long coat. i think it could be _ pope in a long coat. i think it could be true _ pope in a long coat. i think it could be true that _ pope in a long coat. i think it could be true that the - pope in a long coat. i think it could be true that the pope l pope in a long coat. i think it| could be true that the pope is pope in a long coat. i think it i could be true that the pope is puff daddy, but that is a separate conspiracy theory.— daddy, but that is a separate conspiracy theory. only when he drinks ukrainian _ conspiracy theory. only when he drinks ukrainian vodka, - conspiracy theory. only when he drinks ukrainian vodka, i - conspiracy theory. only when he drinks ukrainian vodka, i am i conspiracy theory. only when he i drinks ukrainian vodka, i am told! there we are. i will never go to heaven! miles and jack, thank you for your company. well they're up for your company. well they�* re up there for your company. well they're up there on the roof, holding the computer study. we will be back the same time tomorrow. we are going to talk about the pamir league. there

is a little—known team called burnley coming back to the premier league. what are their chances of staying there? we'll see you tomorrow. —— we are going to talk about the premier league. good evening. manchester united are on the verge of being dumped out of the europa league this evening. they went into their second leg in seville level at 2—2, butjust eight minutes in, they were on the back foot after a disastrous start which saw a bit of a mix up between keeper david de gea and captain harry maguire — allowing youssef en—nesyri to put seville 1—0 up. seville had a second goal ruled out for offside before doubling their lead from a corner shortly after half—time. loic bade was on hand to head home. and there was still time for another piece of hapless defending from united.

this time, keeper de gea misjudged a clearance, allowing en—nesyri to place the ball into an empty net, his second of the night. just seconds remaining, it looks like heartbreak for united in europe. it has, however, been a great evening for west ham — they are heading for the semi—finals of the europa conference league. there's just a few minutes left of their quarterfinal against gent. it was 1—1 going into this from the first leg, but the belgian club went ahead before michail antonio scored to send his side in level at the break. things got even better for david moyes�* team when lucas paqueta scored a penalty, but goal of the game came from declan rice. gent now looked a spent force and the hammers went to town, with antonio claiming a second goal. they lead 4—1 on the night, 5—2 on aggregate.

juventus were among the other sites to progress, beating sporting lisbon 2-1 to progress, beating sporting lisbon 2—1 on aggregate after drawing 1—1 tonight. just before their match, they found out they had their 15—point serie a penalty reversed. juve were accused of inflating transfer fees in dealings with other italian clubs, to create millions of pounds in "capital gains" for tax purposes. now, this revoking of the points deduction meansjuventus move up from seventh to third in the serie a table. it means — with eight games left of the season — ac milan are knocked out of the champions league places while jose mourinho's roma drop to fourth. rather thanjuve being cleared, the case will now return to the italian football federation appeals court, the body which gave the initial punishment, and will be pending a new trial. however, the two—year bans given to formerjuve chairman andrea agnelli — seen here — and ex—ceo maurizio arrivabene were upheld. the 30—month worldwide ban given tojuve's former sports director fabio paratici, who recently stepped back from his role at tottenham hotspur,

was also upheld. georgia hall is looking to win her second major and first for five years at this week's chevron championship, the first women's major of the year. hall won the 2018 women's open, becoming the third brit to do so and just the fifth british major winner ever. she's been having a strong season so far and after the first round at carlton woods near houston in texas is bunched in a group of players on 2—under—par, three shots off the lead. meanawhile, it's emerged that the saudi—backed liv golf might branch out and host women's events. launched last year, the tour has expanded on last year's eight tournaments and now offers 1a. however, none of them feature female golfers. well, chief executive greg norman says there have been "regular" internal discussions over that. our focus is to ourfocus is to make our focus is to make sure, ourfocus is to make sure, this year, we produce what we are

producing here from day one in 2023, and then going forward, we are looking at what are the best opportunities to build on what we have today? so the answer to the question is, yes, we talked about it internally and i have had had individual discussions with individual discussions with individual lady players, professional players. super league leaders warrington suffered a 28—6 defeat at the hands of st helens. jon bennison with one of five tries on the night — that's only the second defeat of the season for warrington, who remain top, just ahead of wigan warriors, who play on sunday against bottom side wakefield. four—time world champion mark selby used his experience to beat matthew selt, who put on quite the fight, to reach the second round of the world snooker championship. the world number two selby led 6—3 overnight but was forced to work hard for his victory, with qualifier selt battling back to trail 9—8. selby, who last won at the crucible in 2021,

dug deep to grind out the win, despite saying his concentration was nonexistent. earlier, robert milkins came back to beatjoe perry 10—9. and that is all the sport for now. goodbye. hello there. our weather story for friday is a tale of two halves, the best of the weather once again through scotland and northern ireland, closest to this area of high pressure. these weather fronts will introduce some cloud and rain at times, be a bit of a nuisance, and that nagging easterly wind still making it feel rather raw on exposed east coasts. so first thing in the morning, the rain quite heavy across norfolk, lincolnshire, into the east midlands, gradually drifting towards wales. there'll also be some showery outbreaks of rain across essex and kent. but north of that, not a bad start. it will be a chilly start. a touch of frost not out of the question across the grampian, but at least in scotland

and northern ireland, you will have some sunshine and it will continue like that for much of the day. that easterly breeze, though, always making it feel cooler on exposed east coasts. sheltered western areas seeing the best of the sunshine and warmth. and as we go through the afternoon, we'll see a line of more persistent rain stretching across the south coast. sunny spells and scattered showers driven in by that strong easterly breeze coming in off the north sea. so 10—12 degrees once again on exposed east coasts. further west, we could see 16 or 17 degrees. favoured spots once again, northern ireland and western scotland. here, the pollen will be high — it's tree pollen at this time of year. medium, perhaps, across much of central and eastern england. now, as we move into the early hours of saturday, we are likely to see this weather front producing some showery outbreaks of rain through scotland and northern ireland, and at the same time, we've got some showery outbreaks of rain into the south—west. sandwiched in between the two, drier and brighter, and once again, much of scotland will see some sunshine. but the temperatures really subdued by then, 11—14 degrees. and as we move out of sunday into monday, we'll start to see this colder northerly flow take over and you really will start to notice the difference right across the country.

so on sunday, we'll see some showery outbreaks of rain just drifting away from the east. drier behind it, but that northerly wind will make it feel quite chilly at times. so temperatures really falling away in scotland, 7—11 degrees by then. 1a degrees the maximum on sunday. and that's going to be the trend as we move into the week ahead. it will turn wetter and then much colder.

tonight at 10: dominic raab's future as deputy prime minister hangs in the balance. an independent report into allegations of bullying has now been passed to rishi sunak, whose decision on his close colleage's future is now awaited. plenty expected to hear rishi sunak�*s decision but we are still waiting. a big judgment call. sack his deputy or keep waiting? we'll have the latest from chris mason on the future of one of the government's most controversial figures.

also tonight... criminal charges are dropped against the hollywood actor