by Guardian staff and agencies in Tirana on (#79238)
Dozens of people detained after government building and two banks set on fire as tens of thousands march over education costs and corruptionTens of thousands of students have taken to the streets of Tirana, the Albanian capital, setting alight a government building and two banks and hurling stones at police during a protest over rising education costs and corruption.Police responded with water cannon and teargas to disperse protesters who started a fire at the ministry of education building, overturned bins and smashed the fronts of local businesses. A branch of Raiffeisen Bank near the education ministry also caught fire. Continue reading...
by Cecilia Nowell (now); Shrai Popat, Maya Yang and T on (#791QD)
Trump in Arizona and Montana ahead of competitive elections; The Senate Majority Pac puts millions of dollars toward competitive races in Michigan and Maine
by Patrick Butler Social policy editor on (#7929V)
Resolution Foundation says crude changes' to benefits system would probably make it harder for people to workBanning people with anxiety, ADHD or autism from claiming disability benefits would not deliver major financial savings and would probably make it harder for them to get or stay in a job and participate in society, a leading thinktank has warned.The Resolution Foundation said any proposals to make certain mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions ineligible for personal independence payments (Pip) would be crude changes" aimed at hitting unrealistic savings targets. Continue reading...
by Dan Sabbagh, Jessica Elgot and Andrew Roth in Kyiv on (#7925T)
Ukrainian president accused US president of picking the other side after four years of warVolodymyr Zelenskyy has said he feels personally betrayed by Donald Trump after it emerged that Ukraine's military has had its access to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite squeezed, raising doubts about long-term US support for Kyiv.The Ukrainian president, on a visit to London, accused Trump of picking the other side after more than four years of war, risking a breakdown in relations already strained by the US agreeing to buy diesel from Moscow. Continue reading...
Pontiff has begun walking in his hospital room and is eating normally after operation to remove growth, doctors sayPope Leo's recovery from a lung cancer operation is progressing as planned, his doctors have said, as the pontiff received good wishes from around the world, including from Britain's King Charles.Leo, who had a cancerous mass removed from his right lung late on Tuesday, began walking in his hospital room after respiratory therapy on Wednesday. He was eating normally, his doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritoria said in a statement issued by the Vatican. Continue reading...
Account by Oscar Belgal differs sharply from that of DHS agents, who fired into vehicle with young boy in back seatLawyers for a man wounded by an immigration officer while driving with his young son in New York City said in a court filing Wednesday that the agent who shot him never identified himself before he ran up to the car, smashed one of its windows, then fired several shots into the vehicle.The account by lawyers for Oscar Belgal contrasted sharply with the version of events outlined by Department of Homeland Security officials. They have said officers opened fire only after Belgal smashed his car into two government vehicles and accelerated toward other officers". Continue reading...
by Alexandra Topping Political correspondent on (#79283)
Restaurants and pubs such as Nando's and Fuller's will create placements for 18- to 24-year-olds under DWP-backed schemeBars, clubs and restaurants will offer up to 100,000 jobs to young people not in employment, education or training (Neet) over the next three years in an effort to give them a first step on the ladder into work.The move comes before the publication of a report on Neets by the former health secretary Alan Milburn, who has warned that the number of young people not in work or education in the UK could rise to 1.25 million over the next five years unless ministers intervene. Continue reading...
Party faces fresh crisis as three councillors quit after ITV undercover filming exposed violence, misogyny and racist viewsReform UK has been rocked by a fresh crisis after councillors and election candidates for the party were caught on film making graphic threats of extreme violence and expressing racist and misogynistic views.Three councillors have already stood down from the party, which said it was conducting an investigation over the first revelations from an ITV undercover investigation that aired on Wednesday. Continue reading...
by Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editor on (#7925V)
Throttling of mobile internet system will affect Kyiv's air defences more than its strikes on oil refineries. Now Zelenskyy must be hoping that US intel holdsIn Ukraine the situation was already jittery enough. Donald Trump has been inventing ceasefires and buying Russian diesel to shore up his flagging popularity, while a sinister new wave of faster, jet-powered drones are breaking through Kyiv's stretched air defences. Casualties are rising as the weather turns.Overnight, Russia bombed three power plants that supply Kyiv, aiming to cut off heating and electricity to the city. According to the president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for a second night in a row no warning came from Ukraine's western allies of the incoming ballistic missiles - and so no air raid alert was issued. Continue reading...
by Presented by Lucy Hough with Hannah Ellis-Petersen on (#79236)
A fresh wave of protests by India's youth-led Cockroach movement has been met with a brutal crackdown by Narendra Modi's government and the closure of a historic protest site in Delhi. Two of the movement's leaders have been imprisoned for five days for violating suppression measures. The protests, which began over frustration about education and unemployment, are now focused on voting rights. Modi's government denies claims it is seeking to disenfranchise millions of voters. But its treatment of protesters has been criticised by the UN and Amnesty International and raised concerns that India is sliding further into autocracy. Lucy Hough speaks to South Asia correspondent Hannah Ellis-Petersen - watch on YouTube Continue reading...
Ben Norris says cost-cutting measure that means show will be recorded outside its home city risks extraordinary burden' for crewA cast member of The Archers has said its actors have been angered by the BBC's decision to axe the show's new studio, in a move that could lead to it being recorded away from its home in Birmingham.Ben Norris, who plays Ben Archer in the world's longest-running soap opera, said the decision risked having a real impact on the quality of the show and placing an extraordinary burden" on its crew. Continue reading...
Zelenskyy says he will be discussing intelligence sharing difficulties' and Starlink access with BurnhamPMQs is about to start.Here is the list of MPs down to ask a question.After @genevieve_holl reported this last night, various sources in the Trump administration who are supportive of Farage said Badenoch was needlessly trying to cause a political row (per @katyballs @MrHarryCole) and accused her of undermining the Anglo-American relationship.It is possible that these people are particularly sensitive about this topic because they are still considering buying the islands, as @connorstringer and I reported earlier in the year. Domestic opposition to the idea of the US running Chagos in the UK would be a problem for the White House.Calamity Kemi Strikes Again.Kemi Badenoch has risked causing a diplomatic row with Britain's allies, all because she cannot control the Tory spin doctors around her that oversaw the disastrous premierships of Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak, Theresa May, and even David Cameron.Kemi and the Conservatives cannot be trusted by the Chagos people.If they really have interest in the Chagos, why would you have started negotiating about things you already own?We are confused at why @KemiBadenoch is attacking @Nigel_Farage ...We understood Nigel Farage's comments to mean that we would get perpetual use of the base, which, frankly, we've always had. Continue reading...
by Peter Beaumont Senior international correspondent on (#7923A)
Vessels were hit by missiles as rise in strikes suggests Iran is trying to close waterway before US midterm electionsTwo container ships near the strait of Hormuz have sunk after being struck by missiles, amid the sharpest rise in Iranian attacks on shipping since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran.The increase in attacks suggests Iran is trying to fully close the strategic waterway in an attempt to frustrate Donald Trump's efforts to bring down fuel prices before the US midterm elections on 3 November. Continue reading...
International grouping of China-sceptic legislators warns of risks inherent in misjudging bilateral relationshipThe UK's approach to China is beset by incoherence" and plagued by a lack of senior expertise, according to a report warning of the risks inherent in misjudging the bilateral relationship.Wednesday's audit by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (Ipac), an international grouping of China-sceptic legislators, says past engagement with Beijing has often exposed the UK to the risks of interference without delivering the opportunities promised. Continue reading...
by Haroon Siddique and George Francis Lee on (#7920C)
Irish writer of Normal People says she can no longer receive royalties from British sales and she cancelled UK trip due to fear of arrestSally Rooney has said she is being forced to withdraw her books from sale in the UK because of her support for the banned organisation Palestine Action.The Irish novelist, whose books include Normal People and Conversations With Friends, said her public support for the direct action group meant she could no longer receive royalties from UK sales. Continue reading...
Money was withdrawn from gambling firm before founder warned chancellor against doubling machine games dutyThe billionaire Done family took a 30m dividend from their Betfred gambling empire, before warning that they would close hundreds of bookies and cut jobs if the government increases tax on high-street slot machines.The chancellor, John Healey, is understood to be considering proposals to double machine games duty in the upcoming budget, a move that the Social Market Foundation thinktank has said could boost state coffers by up to 460m. Continue reading...
Beneath a wave of school protests in France lies a more existential worry: the future prospects of an entire generation Don't get This Is Europe delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereSay what you will about France's high schools, they still produce world-class slogan writers. Here's a brief selection spotted during three weeks of blockades and marches over chronic teacher shortages, overcrowded classes and crumbling buildings:Pas d'avenir, pas de calme" (No future, no calm). Diplomes aujourd'hui, precaires demain" (Graduates today, insecure tomorrow). Vous detruisez notre futur, on bloque votre present" (You destroy our future, we block your present). Continue reading...
by Tom Ambrose (now) and Taz Ali (earlier) on (#791NE)
Brand is in Southwark crown court today where his rape and sexual assault trial beginsTaking jurors through the third allegation, Karmy-Jones said Brand pulled another woman into a toilet during an incident at a bar in Soho in 2004.The third complainant was not so lucky as to be able to pull away", the prosecutor said.She continued to resist saying, I'm not coming in there, don't be silly. Are you mad? Get off,' and she managed to pull herself away, and to release his grasp.At that point he gave up and went into the toilet, and she left the area." Continue reading...
by Mark Brown North of England correspondent on (#791RJ)
Relatives of William Chapman say footage of attack shared online deeply offensive' and causing them severe distress'The family of a man killed by a tiger at a wildlife park in the UK have spoken about their severe distress" at the circulation of online media after Donald Trump reposted a video of the incident.William Chapman, 23, was mauled to death after entering an enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, on Saturday. Continue reading...
Engineer Tristan Ralph describes task of maintaining and running Bristol structure without public moneyThe job does not give the holder age-old perks such as the right to drive sheep across the great structure, but the title bridge master" does have a certain ring to it.I don't tend to say I'm the bridge master when I'm at a party," said Tristan Ralph, the current holder of the title. But people do seem to know and bring it up. It's a job less ordinary, isn't it? It's a Victorian sounding title and people are really, really interested." Continue reading...
by Ashifa Kassam European community affairs correspon on (#791V2)
Jean-Noel Barrot criticises X owner in speech attacking foreign efforts to destabilise country before 2027 electionFrance's foreign minister has accused Elon Musk of using his social media platform to orchestrate massive online harassment campaigns" against European leaders as he took aim at foreign efforts to destabilise the country before next year's presidential election.Speaking at an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development conference on Tuesday, Jean-Noel Barrot pointed to the role that social media had come to play in the global battle over democracy. The forces seeking to undermine democracy now dominate the information landscape, where they employ tactics designed to polarise public debate," he said. Continue reading...
Health minister says government did not authorize' Danish-led hepatitis B trial in babies backed by RFK JrGuinea-Bissau has not approved the controversial hepatitis B study in newborns that would be funded by the US government and private partners, the African country's minister of health said on Tuesday.The study, which would not investigate the safety or effectiveness of vaccines but would instead track nonspecific" health outcomes like overall mortality or neurodevelopmental conditions, has been championed by Robert F Kennedy Jr, secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and a longtime anti-vaccine activist. Continue reading...
by Hannah Al-Othman North of England correspondent on (#791RK)
Yvette Cooper acknowledges unthinkable pain' caused by practice between 1930s and 1980s after campaign by Wirral woman and othersThe health secretary, Yvette Cooper, has issued a profound apology" for the unthinkable pain" caused to parents whose stillborn babies were buried in mass graves.Parents spent decades not knowing where their babies were buried, owing to a practice in which stillborn babies taken away from mothers at hospital and buried in communal graves. Continue reading...
by Keely Aouga and Ramon Antonio Vargas on (#791NH)
Investigators determined professor responsible for urine found on a backpack, in trash cans and in water bottlesA former professor at Macalester College in the Minnesota city of St Paul is facing a felony charge for allegedly spilling his urine on a student's backpack while he still worked at the school, costing more than $2,000 in damages, according to a state criminal court document.Paul Fischer, 55, is at the center of the bizarre, alleged workplace misconduct case that led to his being cited for first-degree damage to property - and linked to at least a half dozen such incidents involving urine at the liberal arts college over the course of a year. Continue reading...
Canada-born singer-songwriter, 82, posts footage of citizenship ceremony to InstagramJoni Mitchell has become a US citizen, after first moving to the country in the mid-1960s. The Canada-born singer-songwriter, 82, posted footage of her citizenship ceremony on her Instagram account, along with a photo of her next to an American flag, accompanied by the caption: A journey that began 62 years ago."It means that Mitchell can now vote in US elections, something that she had complained she wasn't able to do. Continue reading...
Declining stocks and increased fishing pressure have led to lower sustainability ratings for two popular cod alternativesUK shoppers have previously been urged to avoid UK-caught cod and to buy European hake or coley instead - but now these fish are in trouble, too.The Marine Conservation Society (MCS), an environmental charity, publishes its Good Fish Guide to help consumers and businesses make sustainable seafood choices. It uses a traffic-light system to rate seafood according to the health of fish stocks and environmental impact. Continue reading...
Citizen scientists on UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme recorded insect visits to flowers during 10-minute surveysUbiquitous urban plants often derided as weeds" are the most attractive to pollinating insects.The autumn blooms of common ivy, rich in pollen and nectar, are the most visited by insects including bees and butterflies, according to an eight-year study. Continue reading...
Golf clubs, private schools and car washes may face tighter rules from water companies as England's drought continuesThree water companies are seeking to impose severe restrictions on businesses as the drought continues across most of England, putting rivers and wildlife under huge pressure.Golf clubs and private schools could be barred from using mains water to irrigate playing fields and courses, and commercial car washes stopped from operating, under non-essential use bans" being sought by the companies. Continue reading...
Special forces officer Serhii Kuznetsov denies involvement in the 2022 blasts that left pipelines badly damagedA Ukrainian soldier is to go on trial in Hamburg accused of taking part in one of the most brazen acts of sabotage in postwar European history - the 2022 attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany.Serhii Kuznetsov, a special forces officer from the Ukrainian military, is accused by prosecutors of being an accomplice to war crimes by attacking civilian infrastructure, causing an explosion, damaging property and disrupting public services. Continue reading...
In today's newsletter: The collapse of the UK's one in, one out' asylum deal with France exposes the limits of border enforcement that did little to stop crossings, and only made them more dangerousGood morning. You'd be forgiven for missing it. Earlier this month, the government quietly scrapped its one in, one out" deal with France. The partnership was supposed to eliminate small boat crossings by deterring asylum seekers from making the treacherous journey across the world's busiest shipping channel.The deal, which lasted just 423 days, was beset with problems, had a negligible impact, and now joins a long list of policies that have tried and failed to address highly visible, often tragic small boat crossings. This morning, the Home Office announced that it would be doubling the number of riot police along the French coast in lieu of the deal.UK news | Extremists holding anti-immigration opinions are becoming increasingly likely to consider carrying out terrorist attacks against immigration centres and asylum hotels, the head of MI5 has warned.UK politics | Nigel Farage has denied that a Reform UK government would authorise lethal force against small boat crossings in the Channel.Ukraine | Andy Burnham will host Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street on Wednesday as the UK seeks to further underline its support for the Ukrainian president, in contrast to his difficulties with Donald Trump.US politics | Kimberly Guilfoyle is stepping down as US ambassador to Greece after weeks of reports that she sought payment from a Trump donor in exchange for access to administration officials.Pope Leo XIV | Pope Leo has lung cancer, the Vatican said late on Tuesday. Leo, 71, underwent an operation and had the lower lobe of his right lung removed, with tests confirming a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said. Continue reading...
Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das will spend spend five days in prison for entering Delhi's Jantar Mantar - a historic protest site that has been closed by authoritiesTwo leaders of India's youth-led Cockroach movement have been sent to jail for five days for violating a ban on protests at a site in central Delhi.A court ordered that Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, leaders of the Cockroach Janata party (CJP) movement, spend five days in Delhi's Tihar prison for jumping over police barricades, holding up slogans and waving the Indian flag at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Continue reading...
by Aamna Mohdin Community affairs correspondent on (#791M7)
Exclusive: Investigation finds racial inequality in live music industry rife and many genres labelled high risk' despite lack of evidenceBlack and south Asian music events in London face disproportionate cancellations, restrictions and licensing barriers compared with white events, according to a two-year investigation into racial inequality in the capital's live music industry.The Race Equality in Music Event Licensing (REMEL) report, led by Black Lives in Music, estimates that cancellations, displacement and events prevented from taking place cost London 127m to 141m annually, with projected losses exceeding 650m over five years. Continue reading...
Rights groups warn of Tehran regime's increasing use of executions to suppress dissent, with at least 600 this yearHuman rights groups have raised the alarm over the growing number of death sentences and executions in Iran, after reports that a 23-year-old woman, Najmeh Amini, has been sentenced to death for blasphemy over a social-media post.Amini, an accounting student, is being held in Vakilabad prison in the north-east city of Mashhad. She has been sentenced to more than 12 years in prison and death in separate cases heard by a revolutionary and a criminal court. Continue reading...
by Amy Hawkins in Kharkiv region. Photographs by Juli on (#791K0)
Faced with deadlier threats, demining groups are coming up with new ways of working using drones and AICrouched over on her hands and knees in a field of weeds, Olena Kabanova is digging into the ground. With a shovel and a steady hand, the 58-year-old digs out a neat square around the spot where a mine detector has sensed a suspicious object.Four years ago, this field in eastern Ukraine was occupied by Russian soldiers. Now back under Ukrainian control, it is littered with landmines. Civilians such as Kabanova are trying to make the land usable again. Continue reading...
by Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Shaikh Azizur Rahman on (#791J3)
Anger at electoral roll changes has boiled over, sparking a crisis for Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist governmentBorn into a small village in West Bengal, Shahida Fakir had always taken her vote for granted. That was, until it was suddenly taken away. She presented officials with her Indian birth certificate and family land documents from the village going back to 1962.Both her parents had been on the electoral roll going back decades, so she showed proof of that too. But when the final revised voter list came out in April, Fakir was not on it. Continue reading...
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