HERE are some of today's national headlines.

Corbyn launches independent review into racism after Livingstone row

Jeremy Corbyn has proposed a tightening of Labour rules and launched an independent review into racism as he seeks to calm tensions in the party over alleged anti-Semitism in the ranks.

A code of conduct would "make explicitly clear for the first time that Labour will not tolerate any form of racism, including anti-Semitism, in the party" and provide guidance on acceptable language.

Former Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti has been appointed to head a panel tasked with drawing up "a statement of principles and guidance about anti-Semitism and other forms of racism".

Small schools 'will surely suffer' under academisation plan

Education secretary Nicky Morgan has been warned she will have to justify the cost and risks of the government's controversial academy plans when she faces a teachers' union.

Kim Johnson, the new president of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) who is himself the head of an academy, said small schools will "surely suffer" as a result of the radical academisation programme.

In a letter to the Daily Telegraph he called on the education secretary to be clear in how the programme, considered the greatest shake-up to the education system in generations, will benefit children, rather than "administrative convenience" to the government.

<strong>UK Super Puma flights grounded after fatal Norway helicopter crash</strong>

All UK commercial passenger flights using the Airbus EC225LP helicopter have been grounded by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) following a fatal crash in Norway.

One Briton is among the 11 people killed after the aircraft, also known as a Super Puma, shattered into pieces when it smashed into the rocky shoreline of Turoey, a tiny island outside Bergen.

Two people remain missing, but are feared dead.

<strong>Flood-proofing measures 'needed in all new properties'</strong>

New properties should be built with flood-proofing measures, including raised electrics and sealed floors, according to council proposals.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, is calling for mandatory anti-flood requirements to be put in place for new homes and businesses.

The proposals for new buildings at risk of flooding include raised electrical sockets, fuse boxes, controls and wiring above floor level, ventilation brick covers, sealed floors and raised damp-proof courses.

<strong>Duke of Cambridge pays tribute to 'national treasure' Sir David Attenborough</strong>

The Duke of Cambridge has said it is fitting that Sir David Attenborough and the Queen are celebrating their 90th birthdays just weeks apart as both are "incredible national treasures".

William paid tribute to Sir David on BBC One's Attenborough At 90 , a special programme to mark the broadcaster's milestone birthday on May 8.

He said: "There is something very calming and sort of warm about his programmes. There is something very reassuring about seeing David Attenborough on BBC One doing his documentaries. It is part of the national psyche now."

<strong>Man arrested over hammer attack on 17-year-old girl</strong>

A man has been arrested over a brutal hammer attack that left a 17-year-old girl with "serious, life-changing head injuries", police said.

The 28-year-old man from Portsmouth is being held over the vicious assault on April 11 which is being treated as attempted murder.

Hampshire Police said the attack took place at a property in Shearer Road in the city with possible links to the sex trade, and gave advice on personal safety to sex workers via charities and support groups after it happened.