April Fools' Day 2017: The best of today's 'fake news' from around the world
Newspapers and companies around the world have been fooling their followers with these pranks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Newspapers, embassies and companies around the world have been messing with their followers on social media to celebrate April Fool's Day.
From Trump's surprise hire to Virgin Atlantic's groundbreaking 'Canine Crew', here are some of the best fake news stories.
George Osborne launches his own fashion line
Undeterred by criticism of his potential conflicts of interest, the former chancellor has launched a fashion house which will produce “high-quality, hi-visibility industrial garments aimed at the multitasking CEO”.
He will juggle heading up the 'Georgio' brand with his six other jobs, which include editing the Evening Standard newspaper and sitting as MP for Tatton.
The line will also feature Mr Osborne's trademark hard hat/ high-visibility jacket combination.
Prince Harry has secretly married his girlfriend in Vegas
Prince Harry and his American girlfriend Meghan Markle have tied the knot in a "low key" Las Vegas ceremony, The Daily Mail reports.
The couple flew to Vegas separately, and wore disguises as they waited at the city's Marriage Bureau to avoid detection.
A palace insider said: "Harry prefers to stay out of the limelight. He hopes Her Majesty will understand his reasons".
The return of "third class" train travel
After a chaotic year for rail passengers marked by industrials disputes, carriages with standing room only will be re-introduced on Britain's busiest commuter routes.
Documents have been circulated among the Department for Transport banning civil servants from referring to the new services as "cattle class" in any official documents or internal emails.
Instead, the standing-only service, which was abolished in 1956, will be re-branded as “Super Economy” or “Rush Hour Plus” with 45cm-wide circles painted on the floor to indicate each traveller’s “personal space”.
Donald Trump hires Piers Morgan
Piers Morgan has been appointed as President Trump's Showbusiness Advisor, the White House announced this morning.
A source close to the President told The Metro that Mr Morgans’ role will include coaching Mr Trump on how to engage most effectively in Twitter feuds, having had extensive experience in this field.
The 52-year-old Good Morning Britain host will also work to improve the President's image among the film industry, after he was mocked at the Golden Globes ceremony in January.
Google launches new "Google Gnome" home assistant
Following the success of Google Home the tech giant will launch a 'Google Gnome' artificial intelligence assistant designed for outdoor usage
Google also posted a YouTube video showcasing the capabilities of its outdoor smart speaker.
Google Gnome can tell the wind speed, perform gardening tasks, and play music on request.
Germany will hold referendum on adopting Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
The German government will hold in-out referendum on leaving Central European Time (CET), its UK embassy has announced today.
Germans will decide whether to leave the 17 nation bloc which observes CET later this year. The Leave campaign hope to install a replica of Greenwich's Shepherd Gate Clock in Alexanderplatz, East Berlin, in a "frivolous symbolic gesture".
Donald Trump will buy iconic Dublin tower
Trump International Holdings has purchased one of Dublin's tallest skyscrapers and earmarked the site for redevelopment, The Irish Times has revealed.
The 16-storey Liberty Hall will be demolished and rebuilt to over twice its current height, if Dublin City Council approve the planning application submitted by developers.
The President tweeted: "We are going to build an awesome hotel in Dublin. It will be totally great. Love Ireland" Great country!"
Virgin Australia hire 'Canine Crew' members
Virgin Australia will be the first airline in the world to employ dogs as cabin staff, the company announced on Twitter today.
Pornhub rolls out new social sharing feature
The porn site announced today it would be launch a new "automatic sharing" feature, allowing its users to easily share content with friends and family on their social media accounts.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments