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Peng Yujiang says updraft took him nearly as high as Mount Everest but parts of flight video appear to be AI-generatedA Chinese paraglider's story of being accidentally propelled more than 8,000 metres high by an updraft has been thrown into doubt after it emerged that parts of a video of the flight appear to have been AI-generated.Peng Yujiang, who has been banned from the activity for six months, said he began from an elevation of about 3,000 metres in the Qilian mountain range in northern China, where he intended to test some secondhand equipment he bought without making a proper flight, according to an investigative report by the Gansu Provincial Aviation Sports Association. Continue reading...

Morning rain could affect Northern Ireland and Scotland but southern and eastern parts likely to remain dryTemperatures could hit 27C on Saturday, as the UK's sunniest spring on record draws to a close. But more changeable weather is forecast next week.Temperatures reached 25.7C at Heathrow on Friday - about 7C hotter than the average for the time of year - and the trend is due to continue into Saturday, with highs of 27C possible in some areas, the Met Office said. Continue reading...

MoD document expected to highlight dangers posed by Russia and China, and shortfall in UK troop numbersBritain is facing a new era of threat" with drones, artificial intelligence and other technologies changing the nature of warfare more fundamentally than at any other point in history, the government's strategic defence review is expected to conclude on Monday.The 130-page document written by three advisers to the prime minister, Keir Starmer, will warn of the immediate and pressing" danger posed by Russia and is expected to try to draw heavily on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. Continue reading...

Medecins Sans Frontieres report sparks calls for Sudan's warring parties to be held to account for rapes and attacksAs Sudan's Darfur region has been overrun by militias, women are facing the constant threat of sexual violence, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has reported.The medical charity said in the South Darfur region alone its workers treated 659 sexual violence survivors between January and March this year, more than two-thirds of whom had been raped. Continue reading...

Austria and Slovenia are exceptions in continent where just a third of militaries even know their carbon footprint

London transport body says allowing Bpas adverts on its network could bring police and City Hall into disreputeTransport for London has blocked adverts that urge people to lobby their MPs to vote to decriminalise abortion from running on its network because it claims they could bring the police and City Hall into disrepute.Parliament is expected to vote on whether to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales in the coming weeks, with amendments tabled to the criminal justice bill seeking to change the law. Continue reading...

Not all is going smoothly after Friedrich Merz's promise to build up German army and no limits' on helping UkraineWithin days of Russia launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Olaf Scholz announced a Zeitenwende, or historical turning point". The then German chancellor promised a security transformation by increasing defence spending, sending more aid to Ukraine, taking a tougher approach to authoritarian states and rapidly reducing Germany's dependence on Russian energy.It was a psychological turning point for a country haunted by its Nazi past but now expected to step up - as the biggest economic power in Europe - to a threat to the continent. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Conditions on settlement negotiations common in many industries but consumer advocates concerned they could be used to silence victims and avoid scrutiny'

Paper is likely to run into two difficulties, people and money, as personnel numbers fall and spending risesBritain may not be at war, but the backdrop to next Monday's strategic defence review is the greatest geopolitical uncertainty since 1945. A set of loosely interconnected conflicts - led by Russia's continued assault on Ukraine and its related shadow war in Europe, and Israel's seemingly unending war on Hamas, which may lead to an attack on Iran - have not at all been restrained by a skittish White House with little interest in helping to promote peace in Europe.One of the three-strong review team is Fiona Hill, who was briefly and famously an adviser to Donald Trump in his first term. She is so worried about the disintegration of postwar norms that she believes the world is drifting towards a scenario that you had in world war one" where, in the run-up to the war, suddenly all these different interests and these different conflicts became, you know, basically intertwined with each other, [and] it becomes extraordinarily hard to disentangle". Continue reading...

Existing bureau that helps with settling people in US would become new agency overseeing deportationsThe state department is seeking to create an Office of Remigration" as

Concerns raised that hefty award to politician over Spotlight episode could lead to less hard-hitting journalismFor more than half a century, Spotlight has roved a beam over Northern Ireland, illuminating dark and overlooked topics. But now the flagship BBC documentary series is itself in the glare of scrutiny.Gerry Adams' victory in a libel case on Friday dealt a heavy blow to Spotlight and the BBC and raises questions over the programme and the impact of the case on journalism in the UK and Ireland. Continue reading...

Several people remain missing in state of Niger after torrential rains submerged town of MokwaMore than 100 people have died and several others remain missing after a torrential downpour in the central Nigerian state of Niger, local authorities said on Friday.Floods submerged the town of Mokwa after the rains began on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning. Ibrahim Audu Hussein, a spokesperson for the state emergency management agency, said rescue efforts were still under way on Friday. Continue reading...

Radiohead frontman makes lengthy statement after he had been criticised over perceived silence on the war, and for previously performing in IsraelAfter he was criticised for his silence on the subject, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has made a statement regarding the war in Gaza, saying Benjamin Netanyahu and his Israeli administration are extremists" who need to be stopped".He also criticised Hamas, saying the organisation chooses too to hide behind the suffering of its people".I think Netanyahu and his crew of extremists are totally out of control and need to be stopped, and that the international community should put all the pressure it can on them to cease. Their excuse of self-defence has long since worn thin and has been replaced by a transparent desire to take control of Gaza and the West Bank permanently.I believe this ultra-nationalist administration has hidden itself behind a terrified & grieving people and used them to deflect any criticism, using that fear and grief to further their ultra-nationalist agenda with terrible consequences, as we see now with the horrific blockade of aid to Gaza ... Continue reading...

The chancellor will announce billions in regional spending after rewriting Treasury investment rulesAndrew Bailey has urged the UK government to deepen ties with the EU, as he warned a breakdown in global trade would make it harder for the Bank of England to control inflation.In a speech in Dublin on Thursday, the Bank's governor said a stronger relationship between London and Brussels could minimise negative effects" of Brexit on trade.As of now, provided you are an eligible UK donor ... we are the first political party in Britain that can accept donations in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.My message to the British public, and my message particularly to young people, is to help us to help you bring our country properly into the 21st century.Let's recognise that crypto and digital assets are here to stay. Continue reading...

Draft reportedly includes release of 28 hostages in first week, 60-day ceasefire and aid for Gaza when deal signed offHamas has received Israel's response to a US proposal for a Gaza ceasefire deal and is thoroughly reviewing" it, even though the response does not meet any of the Palestinians' just and legitimate demands", one of the militant group's officials has said.On Thursday, the White House said Israel had agreed to the US truce proposal and Hamas said it was reviewing the plan, although it described the agreement as more biased in favour of Israel than previous proposals. Continue reading...

Critics warn the experiment will lead to low turnout, a political power grab and infiltration by organised crimeOn a heat-dazed afternoon in Culiacan, the capital of Mexico's Sinaloa state, a tannoy by the cathedral was droning through an advert for the judicial elections on loop when a plume of smoke appeared in the sky. A flicker of agitation ran through the plaza.After months of cartel conflict, Sinaloa is on edge. Yet on 1 June, it and the rest of Mexico will start to elect every judge in the country, from local magistrates to supreme court justices, by popular vote. Continue reading...

Media quoted unnamed distributors who said they could not obtain copies of the magazine or that it had been bannedThe latest print edition of the Economist, which features Vietnam's top leader on its cover, has been banned in the country, the latest instance of media censorship in the communist, one-party state.The magazine carried an image of the Communist party General Secretary To Lam with stars on his eyes, alongside the headline The man with a plan for Vietnam", with an article carrying the subheading: A Communist party hard man has to rescue Asia's great success story". Continue reading...

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation had faced criticism from aid groups even before this week's chaotic rolloutAfter a rollout trumpeted by US officials, the US- and Israeli-backed effort that claimed it would return large-scale food deliveries to Gaza was born an orphan, with questions growing over its leadership, sources of funding and ties to Israeli officials and private US security contractors.The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation had said it would securely provide food supplies to the Gaza Strip, ending an Israeli blockade that UN officials say have led to the brink of a famine. Continue reading...

Forty-year extension of North West Shelf gas project granted by environment minister, Murray Watt, will result in huge greenhouse gas emissions, putting the already degraded Indigenous rock art at risk

Alarm as Javier Milei's government curbs state supply of abortion pills and seeks to reverse landmark legalisationArgentina is being used as a testing ground" for stripping back abortion rights internationally as it cuts funding for contraceptives and ends the distribution of abortion pills, Amnesty International warned on Wednesday.Before the inauguration of President Javier Milei in December 2023, the state bought abortion pills, which were then distributed for free through the public health system. Continue reading...

Detective also tells mushroom lunch trial that phone records indicate a sim card was switched while police searched murder accused's home

South African actor gained international recognition for his role in the drama which won best foreign language filmPresley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained international recognition for his leading role in the 2005 film Tsotsi, which won South Africa's first ever Oscar for best foreign language film, has died. He was 40 years old.His talent agency MLA on Tuesday confirmed Chweneyagae's death and said South Africa had lost one of its most gifted and beloved actors". Continue reading...

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says lorry loads of food have been delivered to sites in Gaza but UN humanitarian agency says it is unaware if any aid has been distributed

Tom Kopke, 23, retains his title while women's race won by student raising money for refugees and the homelessThe idea of a perfect spring bank holiday for many involves lazing around at home and barely lifting a finger. For a select number of daredevils flocking to Gloucestershire, however, the day is spent chasing a wheel of cheese down a hill.The annual tradition, thought to date back to 1826, sees competitors sprint, trip and tumble down Cooper's Hill near Brockworth to try to win an 8lb wheel of double gloucester. Continue reading...

IDF says practice strictly prohibited' after report of incidents quoting both Palestinians and Israeli troopsIsrael is investigating several cases" involving soldiers who have forced Palestinians to act as human shields in Gaza, sending them into buildings and tunnels to check for bombs and gunmen.The use of Palestinians as human shields, or otherwise coercing them to participate in military operations, is strictly prohibited in IDF [Israel Defense Forces] orders," the Israeli army said in a statement. Continue reading...

Supporters gather in north London to celebrate end to football club's 18-year wait for trophyFor the first time in nearly two decades, a trophy arrived in north London without any red ribbons attached. The streets were a sea of white as thousands of fans descended on the Tottenham Hotspur stadium to celebrate the team's Europa League triumph.

Two settlers under UK sanctions among those who carried out intimidation campaign under Israeli authorities' watch

Palais des Papes show is big on tunic dresses and slouchy boots as heraldry meets Glastonbury for new collectionThe pageantry and drama of the papacy is very much on trend. Hot on the heels of white smoke at the Vatican and Conclave in cinemas, the gothic Palais des Papes in Avignon, home to the popes of the 14th century, hosted a Louis Vuitton catwalk, the first fashion show at the palace in its 700-year history.There was no shortage of pomp and ceremony in the central courtyard of one of Europe's largest medieval structures, where 400 chairs with tall, arched backs and plush, cardinal-red cushions were ranked tightly for Brigitte Macron, Cate Blanchett, Pharrell Williams, a clutch of celebrities making a post-Cannes detour, and a select few of Louis Vuitton's most deep-pocketed clients. Continue reading...

Foreign minister issues warning after US intelligence reportedly understood Israel might attack if talks broke downIran has said that it will hold the US responsible for any Israeli attack on its nuclear sites in remarks that set a fraught backdrop for the fifth and probably most important round of talks between Iran and the US on the future of Iran's nuclear program.Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, issued the warning on Thursday after reports appeared in the America media claiming US intelligence understood Israel was planning an attack on Iranian nuclear sites - with or without American support - if the talks broke down. Continue reading...

Two people hospitalised and services halted between Manchester and Cardiff after incident near LeominsterA suspect has been arrested after a train collision with a tractor in Herefordshire in which two people were hospitalised, British Transport Police (BTP) have said.The 32-year-old man from Bromyard was arrested on suspicion of endangering safety on the railway after the crash at a level crossing in the Leominster area on Thursday morning, causing widespread disruption across English and Welsh rail services. Continue reading...

Environment minister due to decide on controversial plan by end of the month in one of his first major challenges in new portfolio

One meeting contained closely held information' and was pens-down', state parliament committee hears

Bank torn between calls to cut interest rates to boost growth and need to damp down price rises

NSW premier Chris Minns says service not good enough' as delays continue on Wednesday after high-voltage wire fell on train, crippling network

Uinversity students' mental health and wellbeing must be prioritised alongside their studies', argue campaignersA review of student suicides in England dodged the real issues" with universities, the parents of a student who killed herself before a class presentation have said.The national review of higher education student suicide deaths, commissioned by the Department for Education, heard that families suffered distressing experiences" at the hands of university administrators, and concluded that universities owed a duty of candour" to relatives, including greater transparency and involvement.In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org Continue reading...

The Emmy-nominated comedian and actor was best known for his role in the long-running sitcomGeorge Wendt, the actor best known for playing Norm in long-running sitcom Cheers, has died at 76.His death was confirmed by his publicist in a statement. Continue reading...

Music mogul's sex-trafficking trial continues as David James returns to stand and tells of incident that shook' himThe federal trial against Sean Diddy" Combs continued on Tuesday, with his former personal assistant David James returning to the witness stand.Combs, 55, is facing charges of sex-trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in September 2024 and has pleaded not guilty.In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women's Aid. In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org. Continue reading...

The Reform UK leader, who has made at least nine trips abroad since general election, will return to UK next weekNigel Farage missed the parliamentary debate on the biggest reset to Brexit since the referendum because he is overseas on holiday, the Reform UK leader has said.Following speculation that he was on holiday in France, Farage, who has not been seen in the Commons this week and did not present his GB News show on Monday, released a statement confirming he was away. Continue reading...

Environment secretary makes announcement after company's chair said he may have misspoken' to MPsLarge bonuses due to be paid to Thames Water executives from an emergency 3bn loan have been withdrawn", the environment secretary Steve Reed said on Tuesday, after the Guardian revealed the chair of the company wrongly told parliament creditors had insisted" on the payments.Reed told the environment, food and rural affairs (Efra) committee on Tuesday that the retention payment plan had been withdrawn by Thames Water. He said: I am very happy indeed that Thames have now dropped those proposals. It was the wrong thing to do. They have now withdrawn their proposal to make those payments." Continue reading...

United Nations special rapporteur on torture urges Queensland parliament to vote down the laws

Ruth Lopez held without access to lawyers at secret location accused of embezzlement' a decade agoThe head lawyer of a human rights group representing the families of Venezuelan migrants imprisoned in El Salvador after being deported from the United States has been arrested.Ruth Lopez, an outspoken critic of President Nayib Bukele, was detained late on Sunday under an order from the prosecutor's office which accused her of embezzlement" when she worked for an electoral court a decade ago, the human rights group Cristosal said in a statement. Continue reading...

PM says deal is good for fishing' with reduced red tape and uncertainty caused by annual negotiationsQ: Will the UK now be subject to EU rules?Reynolds says he would push back against that. He says UK and EU rules are currently aligned. If EU rules were to change, the UK would want a say in shaping them. Continue reading...

Rights group declared undesirable organisation' amid Kremlin crackdown on critics, journalists and activistsAmnesty International has said it will not halt its work after Russia declared the rights group an undesirable organisation", in effect banning its operations in the country and exposing supporters to prosecution.This decision is part of the Russian government's broader effort to silence dissent and isolate civil society," Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International's secretary general, said. We will redouble our efforts to expose Russia's egregious human rights violations both at home and abroad." Continue reading...

Announcement by home secretary Yvette Cooper comes after Iranian nationals charged with spying in BritiainMinisters will draw up new laws to ban state-backed groups such as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the face of growing complex" threats from foreign powers, Yvette Cooper said on Monday.The home secretary made the announcement after three Iranian nationals were charged on Saturday with spying in the UK. Continue reading...

Exclusive: amount due to official failures, resulting in carers running up huge overpayments over months and yearsAt least 357m in carer's allowance benefit was paid out in error over the past six years due to official failures, resulting in debt and misery being inflicted on hundreds of thousands of people.The bulk of the figure relates to minor breaches of earnings rules by carers which the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was alerted to but did not check, allowing carers to run up huge overpayments over months and years. Continue reading...

New episodes of the more than 50-year-old show will run on Netflix and PBS after HBO owner opted not to renew dealNetflix has thrown Sesame Street a safety net with a new streaming deal that offers the popular children's show a broad reach while simultaneously keeping it on its longstanding home, PBS, the companies announced Monday.Starting later this year, new episodes will run on Netflix, PBS and the PBS Kids app on the same day. No specific premiere date was immediately announced. Select past episodes will be available on Netflix worldwide. Continue reading...

Tourist authority backtracks on use of influencers after one tiny cove is swamped by 4,000 visitors a dayThe authorities in Spain's Balearic Islands have said they will stop using social media influencers to promote popular destinations, saying selfie tourism" is damaging some of its most beautiful locations.In an attempt to quell the effects of overtourism, the Balearics had hoped that influencers, many of whom have hundreds of thousands of followers, might relieve the strain on some better-known sites by directing visitors elsewhere. Continue reading...

The UK and EU have reached a deal, in what Downing Street hopes will be a reset with Brussels after Brexit. But with negotiations coming down to the wire and fishing yet again a sticking point, how much has changed? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey look at how the talks unfolded and how the politics around the new deal could play out Continue reading...

Cash injection includes $9.3bn for public hospitals and nearly $50m to expand trial prescribing program

Market pricing implies 95% chance of quarter point drop to 3.85%, but there's also speculation of surprise bumper half percentage point cut