The 2 May local elections will have more than 2,600 seats are at stake across 107 English councils. Labour’s Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are among the 10 city mayors up for re-election.  Those in Blackpool South will also be voting for their next MP after ex-Tory Scott Benton broke Commons lobbying rules, triggering a by-election.  With the Conservatives lagging behind Labour in the polls, the outcome will offer some insight on how voters in England and Wales feel ahead of the general election. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss why the elections are so important for the prime minister’s future and where the key political backgrounds are.   Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Soila Apparicio Podcast promotions producer: Iona Brunker Editor: Paul Stanworth

Labour have promised to renationalise nearly all passenger railways within their first term if they win the next election. But will it leave the railways better off?  On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's political correspondent Sam Coates to discuss the details of Labour's plan and assess if a Great British Railway would be more efficient and cost-effective than the current privatised system. Niall also speaks to the editor of Rail magazine, Nigel Harris, to discuss the current state of our railways and what he believes needs to change.   Elsewhere in politics, the Scottish government has ended its power-sharing agreement with the Greens. Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies discusses the implications of this for both parties – including a motion of no confidence in First Minister Humza Yousaf.   Producers: Iona Brunker, Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth

Only two months ago Joe Biden joined the social media platform TikTok with a video captioned "lol hey guys". Now, the US president is poised to sign a bill that could ban the popular app - unless its parent company sells it.    The country is concerned that TikTok's owner, Beijing-based tech firm ByteDance, could be forced by Chinese authorities to hand over the user data of almost 170 million American app users.    On this episode, Niall Paterson unpicks the possible ban with Arthi Nachiappan, our technology correspondent. Plus, Chris Stokel-Walker, author of TikTok Boom: China's Dynamite App And The Superpower Race For Social Media, joins Niall to discuss the app's impact in the US - as well as China's influence on technology. Since recording this episode, TikTok CEO, Shou Chew said in a statement: "This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court. We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail."As we continue to challenge this unconstitutional ban, we will continue investing and innovating to ensure TikTok remains a space where Americans of all walks of life can safely come to share their experiences, find joy, and be inspired."Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Assistant producer: Iona BrunkerPromotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

After months of parliamentary ping-pong between the House of Commons and the Lords, Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill has passed. The prime minister called it a "landmark" law, saying that "nothing will stand in our way" of getting flights off the ground within 10 to 12 weeks.    However, the scheme could face yet more hurdles, with the potential for it to be held up by challenges in court.    On this episode, Matt Barbet takes stock of the bill with Adam Parsons, Sky's Europe editor in France, who has been watching migrant boats cross the English Channel even after the bill's passing.    Sky's communities correspondent Becky Johnson also joins Matt to share some of the stories from those asylum seekers already in the UK and what they might expect from the Rwanda bill.    And Dr Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, details the potential impact this new legislation might have on migration figures.   Producer: Rosie Gillott  Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles  Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku    Editor: Philly Beaumont

As the first of Donald Trump's four criminal trials begins this week, will it have any effect on his chances of re-election in November?   The former president faces 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. He is accused of falsifying internal business records as part of an alleged scheme to bury stories that he thought might hurt his presidential campaign in 2016.   With all eyes on the New York courtroom, Daily host Matt Barbet speaks to US correspondent James Matthews from outside the first trial Trump will face this year... plus, Washington-based pollster John Zogby explains what it could mean for his popularity amongst voters.    Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse  Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku   Editor: Philly Beaumont

An Israeli missile has struck Iran, in response to the unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel over the weekend by the Iranians.  It seems an airfield outside of the city of Isfahan was targeted, but Tehran has played down the incident and has indicated it has no plans to retaliate.   On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by military analyst Sean Bell to find out what exactly happened in the latest attack and what it says about Israel's and Iran's respective military strengths.  Plus, Niall is also joined by Sky's international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to analyse where this leaves tension in the Middle East.   Producer: Rosie Gillott & Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku  Editor: Wendy Parker

Conservative MP Mark Menzies has been suspended from the parliamentary party in light of allegations he abused local Tory party funds to pay off "bad people".   Mark Menzies strongly disputes the claims which also allege he used campaign funds to pay his personal medical bills.   On the Conservatives' investigation into the claims, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News: "There's further information that the Chief Whip I understand became familiar with yesterday and actions being swiftly taken on the basis of that further information."I think it is important to stress that the MP in question here denies the allegations and so on basis of sort of fairness and proper justice, I think it's important to mention that."On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by political correspondent Darren McCaffrey to analyse how Westminster will cope with another scandal.   Plus, the Scottish government has come under fire for rowing back on its climate commitments. Niall speaks to science correspondent Thomas Moore about the consequences of the government missing eight out of 12 of its annual climate commitments. 👉 Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈     Senior producer: Annie Joyce Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: Jada Meosa-John  Editors: Paul Stanworth

The price of everyday things - mainly food - is now rising at the lowest level since 2021.  Official data shows inflation eased last month to 3.2% - down from 3.4% - but the fall was slightly less than economists expected.  On the Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what's going on with inflation and what it might mean for interest rates with Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway - who's in the US looking at the situation there. They also discuss how the UK could be importing inflation from America.  Plus, Niall talks to Russ Mould, investment director at finance firm AJ Bell, about what's happening at the fashion retailer ASOS which says it's becoming "more agile" after an 18% drop in sales.    Producer: Rosie Gillott  Assistant Producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

'Absolutely nuts' was how former Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Rishi Sunak’s plan to gradually phase out smoking – banning anyone born since the start of 2009 from ever being able to buy cigarettes or tobacco products like vapes.    Liz Truss, who was also briefly prime minister in-between the two men, is also among some critical of the proposal – which she described as 'profoundly unconservative'.    Tories are being given a free vote in the Commons – allowing them to vote with their conscience, not necessarily the government.    But will the policy create a smokefree generation? And what will it mean for Conservative Party ideology?    Niall Paterson looks at the health implications with Alice Wiseman, vice president of The Association of Directors of Public Health, and the politics of the policy with Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby and Tory peer Lord Frost, who disagrees with the planned legislation.    Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse  Podcast Promotions Producer: Iona Brunker Senior producer: Annie Joyce Editors: Philly Beaumont and Paul Stanworth

Military experts have called Iran's ariel attack on Israel on Saturday night 'ambitious' and warn it could push an already fragile region into a dangerous new phase. On the Sky News Daily, host Matt Barbet examines how Iran and Israel's 'shadow war' has moved out into the open, alongside defence and security analyst Michael Clarke.  Matt is also joined by Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian, affiliated lecturer in international relations of the Middle East at the University of Cambridge, to examine what Iran was really trying to achieve from its attack.Producer: Rosie Gillott  Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku  Editor: Philly Beaumont

On Saturday night Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack against Israel, which Tehran has claimed is in retaliation for an attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus by Israel on 1 April.    Some 170 explosive drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles were launched by Iran, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), who said "99%" were intercepted.     Leaders across the world have condemned the attack and stated their support for Israel’s security. However, Iran's foreign ministry said they would "not hesitate" to take "further defensive measures" to "safeguard its legitimate interests against any military aggressions".    On this extra Sky News Daily episode, Rob Powell sits down with our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss the significance and implications of Iran’s attack, and the response from Israel and its allies. Producer: Rosie Gillott  Editor: Paul Stanworth

Ex-armed forces minister James Heappey has told Sky's defence and security editor Deborah Haynes the UK should consider sending its forces to Ukraine to train troops.  On the Sky News Daily, host Tom Cheshire talks to her and Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke about the interview with Mr Heappey, who stepped down from his role last month.  They assess the bleak situation in Ukraine and why the conflict is at a critical stage. They also discuss how prepared the UK would be if it faced a war in the near future. Senior producer: Annie Joyce  Editor: Wendy Parker

The death of arguably one of America’s most talked about names in the 1990s has re-ignited conversations about who OJ Simpson was and how he will be remembered.  The former NFL star was tried and acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. He later spent time in jail for armed robbery and kidnap. On the Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our US correspondent James Matthews as they discuss his life and the controversies surrounding the 76-year-old, who died on Wednesday following his battle with cancer. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse, Rosie Gillott, Soila Apparicio Senior producer: Annie Joyce Editors: Paul Stanworth, Wendy Parker

President Biden has stated US support for Israel is 'ironclad' after reports an Iranian attack is imminent. Iran had promised to retaliate after Israel killed a top Iranian commander in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month. It has led to fears the Israel-Gaza war could escalate to a wider Middle East conflict. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu did nothing to allay concerns when he said his forces were preparing for scenarios in other areas.  On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our Middle East correspondent Ali Bunkall about how ready Israel is for any attacks by Iran and what its next moves might be. Plus, retired Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell, who is a military analyst, details Iran's military capabilities and what form an attack by Tehran might take. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John, Iona BrunkerEditor: Wendy Parker

More than 55,000 asylum seekers whose applications have been refused since 2011 may not have left the UK.The analysis of Home Office data does not include partners or children - so could be even higher.On the Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our communities correspondent Becky Johnson about how delays in deporting failed applicants have led to some people being able to make multiple appeals.In one case, an asylum seeker has been in limbo for 18 years.Also, immigration lawyer Harjap Singh Bhangal talks about why so many appeals against deportation are successful. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse  Assistant producer: Iona BrunkerPodcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku  Editor: Wendy Parker

Yemen is in the middle of a humanitarian disaster after nearly a decade of civil war between the Saudi and Western-backed government, and the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. As Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford has found, war in Gaza is making the situation even worse for Yeminis already facing violence, starvation and disease. On this edition of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Alex and Yemen-born producer Ahmed Baider to explore how Houthi attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, ostensibly in support of Gaza, are preventing aid from getting into Yemen.  Senior Producer: Annie Joyce Producer: Rosie GillottAssistant Producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner is facing questions about whether she paid enough tax on a house sale, almost a decade ago.     She denies any wrongdoing and has been backed by the party's leader Sir Keir Starmer, with some colleagues claiming she's being "smeared".     On the Sky News Daily, Mark Austin unpicks exactly what Angela Rayner is accused of and discusses if the allegations are really in the public interest with Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell.     They also talk about how important Ms Rayner is to Labour's election ambitions with polling expert Scarlett Maguire.   Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Next week, millions of people across North America will be able to see a total solar eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. A total solar eclipse - where the moon moves in front of the sun - happens about every 18 months. However, it rarely takes place over land, so next week's is an incredibly rare opportunity for scientists and amateurs alike to witness the phenomenon.On the Sky News Daily, our data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire chats to NASA's deputy administrator and retired astronaut Pam Melroy about why solar eclipses are so important for scientists and learning more about the Earth and our nearest star.In addition, our science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore explains why eclipses happen - and why the vast majority in the UK won't be lucky enough to see it.You can watch our live coverage of the total eclipse on Monday 8th April, 7pm to 10pm, on the Sky News channel, the Sky News app or on our YouTube channel. 👉 Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈 Producers: Rosie Gillott & Soila Apparicio Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Three former Supreme Court justices have warned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that the UK is breaching international law by continuing to arm Israel.   They are among over 600 lawyers and academics who are signatories of a 17-page letter, which also urges ministers to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza and resume funding to the UNRWA aid agency. It comes as civil servants overseeing arms exports could stop work over fears they may be complicit in war crimes.  On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire asks Michael Mansfield KC, head of chambers at Nexus Chambers and former judge on the Russell Tribunal on Palestine, about why he has signed the letter.   Plus, our political correspondent Rob Powell details the current government's arms dealing with Israel and the response to calls to stop supplying weapons.  Senior producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-CharlesEditor: Philly Beaumont

The UK spends more than £50bn a year - 2.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - on defence, but government documents shared with Sky News show the country has no preparations for a nuclear war.   In January, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps warned the country is approaching a pre-war era and that in five years' time the UK could be looking at conflicts with Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.   So, is the UK ready?   On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire is joined by our security and defence editor Deborah Haynes, who has seen documents outlining the UK's preparedness for nuclear war, and asks former soldier and now defence policy expert, Robert Clark, what the military will need to do to prepare for war.  Producer: Soila Apparicio  Editor: Philly Beaumont