The organization claims the report, which finds Israel's denial of the right of return is a crime against humanity, is paused pending further analysis and research'Two Human Rights Watch (HRW) employees who make up the organization's entire Israel and Palestine team are stepping down from their positions after leadership blocked a report that deems Israel's denial of Palestinian refugees the right of return a crime against humanity".In separate resignation letters obtained by Jewish Currents and the Guardian, Omar Shakir, who has headed the team for nearly the last decade, and Milena Ansari, the team's assistant researcher, said leadership's decision to pull the report broke from HRW's customary approval processes and was evidence that the organization was putting fear of political backlash over a commitment to international law. Continue reading...
Unbroken: In Pursuit of Freedom for Palestine is a collection of writings by the Palestinian political leader, who has been held in Israeli prisons since 2002A collection of writings by the imprisoned Palestinian political leader Marwan Barghouti will be published in November, bringing together prison letters, interviews, personal material and documents from the last three decades of Barghouti's political life and incarceration.As deadly attacks on Gaza continue despite a nominal ceasefire, the 66-year-old is seen by many as the best hope for a leader of any future Palestinian state. Continue reading...
Conservationists find dunlin chicks thriving in boggy habitat created in collaboration with landownersDeep in the Cumbrian Pennines, walkers might be lucky enough to spot small birds with spindly legs, long beaks and bodies like feathered balls hopping through the peat bogs.These are endangered dunlins - at risk in England because their favoured soggy landscapes are drained and burned for farming and grouse shooting. Continue reading...
Party accused of breaking election promise - but officials in Warwickshire say George Finch's 3.89% rise still not enough to balance budgetThe 19-year-old leader of a Reform-led council has defended proposals for a 3.89% council tax rise, despite senior officers saying anything less than 5% would put the financial viability of the local authority at risk.Financial executives at Warwickshire county council said in December that the proposed increase was a riskier financial strategy" that would threaten the medium-term sustainability of the local authority. Continue reading...
D'Amaro will take over next month from Bob Iger, who returned to lead the media company after a bungled successionDisney has unveiled Josh D'Amaro as its next CEO, drawing a line under a bungled succession at the top of the global entertainment conglomerate.Bob Iger, who led the media giant for 15 years, stepped down in 2020 - only to abruptly return in 2022 when his handpicked successor, Bob Chapek, was fired as the company came under pressure. Continue reading...
Bezos has not publicly responded to several letters sent by Post staffers urging him to curb potential layoffsWhile Washington Post employees remain in the dark about an impending round of cuts that could dramatically reshape the publication, the man that many hoped could soften or stop the blow, owner Jeff Bezos, has remained silent.So far, three staff-organized letters sent by Post employees to Bezos imploring him to protect the Post's robust coverage have gone unanswered. Continue reading...
Carlo Soracchi, who infiltrated anti-fascist group in early 2000s, accused of suggesting crime as he had got nothing'Three anti-fascist activists have accused an undercover police officer of attempting to incite them to firebomb a shop that was said to be a front for the far right, the spycops inquiry has heard.The accusation has been levelled against Carlo Soracchi, an officer who spent six years infiltrating anti-fascist and leftwing groups. He has denied the claim. Continue reading...
Latest communications undermine Chomsky's earlier claims that he primarily had financial dealings with EpsteinThe close friendship that Noam Chomsky maintained with Jeffrey Epstein continued being detailed extensively among millions of investigative records pertaining to the late convicted sex offender recently released by the US justice department, including Chomsky fantasizing about the Caribbean island".In Friday's tranche of the so-called Epstein files, which built upon earlier disclosures of their close social ties, there is no indication that the famed academic and linguist was referring to his friend's private Caribbean island where children were sexually abused. But the personal familiarity between the two men in that exchange is palpable, as it is in numerous other emails between Chomsky and Epstein aimed at planning more mundane social gatherings. Continue reading...
by Kat Lay, global health correspondent on (#739R3)
Modelling suggests 5.4m children under five among those who could die if budgets of donor countries such as UK and US continue to be slashedAid cuts could lead to more than 22 million avoidable deaths by 2030, including 5.4 million children under five, according to the most comprehensive modelling to date.In the past two decades there have been dramatic falls in the number of young children dying from infectious diseases, driven by aid directed to the developing world, researchers wrote in the Lancet Global Health. But that progress was at risk of reversal because of abrupt budget cuts by donor countries, including the US and the UK. Continue reading...
In today's newsletter: What the newly disclosed Epstein pages really tells us - and why some survivors are frustrated with the way the narrative is being toldGood morning. The mills of God may grind slowly, but the wheels of the US justice department appear to turn even more sluggishly when it comes to those connected with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Over the past few days, the release of millions of previously sealed documents relating to Epstein has reignited scrutiny of his relationships with politicians, business leaders and public figures around the world. But amid the frenzy over names and emails, there are growing concerns that the disclosure risks repeating a familiar pattern: centring powerful men, while the experiences of survivors once again slip into the background.Jeffrey Epstein | Peter Mandelson is facing a possible police investigation into his alleged leak of market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein at the height of the financial crisis; and the charity of Sarah Ferguson has announced it is closing after new revelations emerged about the former duchess's friendship with Epstein.UK news | Dan Norris, a former Labour minister and now an independent MP, has been arrested for a second time on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and upskirting. Norris has denied the allegations.Doctors | Resident doctors in England have voted in favour of continuing industrial action over the next six months, the British Medical Association has announced.Gaza | The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been reopened by Israel for people on foot, as fragile diplomatic efforts inch forward. According to an Egyptian official, only 50 Palestinians will be permitted to cross in each direction on the first day of operations.Environment | A damning report has found that the EU's renewable energy targets for 2030 are out of reach" because of lack of progress in domestic production, refining and recycling. Continue reading...
Masoud Pezeshkian instructs foreign minister to seek negotiations with US as Trump warns bad things would happen' if no solution agreedIran's president said on Tuesday that he had instructed his foreign minister to pursue fair and equitable negotiations" with the US, as the two countries reportedly prepared to send top envoys to Istanbul for high-stakes talks on the Iranian nuclear programme later this week.President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a post on X: I have instructed my minister of foreign affairs, provided that a suitable environment exists - one free from threats and unreasonable expectations - to pursue fair and equitable negotiations, guided by the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency." Continue reading...
Sleek car doors reduce vehicle drag but are prone to losing operability in the event of a crash, officials sayChina will soon ban concealed door handles on electric vehicles (EVs), becoming the first country to do so after several deadly incidents triggered global scrutiny of the controversial design first popularised by Tesla.According to regulations announced on Monday by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, cars sold in China will now be required to have a mechanical release on both the inside and outside of every door except the boot. Continue reading...
Euphoric scenes are a snub to theocracy's culture of piety, say analysts, and carry message of rebellionIranians killed in recent protests that rocked the country have been laid to rest in boisterous funerals featuring loud pop music and dancing, apparently intended to convey defiance to the ruling Islamic regime.Instead of holding sombre traditional mourning ceremonies presided over by a Shia cleric, bereaved relatives are turning the burials into exultant celebrations of the lives of their loved ones in what analysts say is an intentional snub to the culture of piety demanded by Iran's theocracy. Continue reading...
Josie Scott, who has played in the Australian heavy metal band with her brother Kim for 40 years, writes to fans: I've decided to embrace, rather than endure, who I am'
Exclusive: One Nation leader gifted the flight from company of Australia's richest person last year, but did not declare in line with parliamentary rules
Latest release of files about disgraced financier reveals she told Epstein he was the brother I have always wished forThe charity of Sarah Ferguson has announced that it is closing after new revelations emerged about the former duchess's friendship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Sarah's Trust, the international charity launched by the ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, will close for the foreseeable future" after some months" of discussion, according to a spokesperson. Continue reading...
by Mark Brown North of England correspondent on (#739JH)
Caroline Willgoose, whose 15-year-old son was killed by another pupil, says murder was senseless and avoidable'The family of a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death at school by another pupil has said her son's murder was senseless and avoidable" and that a report ordered by the school showed too many red flags" were missed.Harvey Willgoose died one year ago to the day, and his killer, Mohammed Umar Khan, is serving a minimum term of 16 years' detention. A report commissioned by the trust that runs Harvey's school, All Saints Catholic high school in Sheffield, has highlighted a number of missed opportunities in the run-up to the murder. The review was undertaken by a former school headteacher and inspector of schools at Learn Sheffield. Continue reading...
The White House says the president is not involved' in running his businesses. Ethics experts remain concernedDonald Trump has been accused of corruption, plain and simple" after it was revealed that a member of the Emirati royal family was behind a $500m investment into the Trump family's cryptocurrency company.Ethics experts say the deal - struck just days before the US president's inauguration last January - amounts to a deep conflict of interest for the White House, amid calls for a congressional investigation into the transaction. Continue reading...
Author says accusations spread and amplified' by people more interested in outrage and getting clicks'Neil Gaiman has said that multiple sexual assault allegations against him are simply untrue" and claimed to be the victim of a smear campaign", in the first post addressing the accusations for almost a year.Gaiman, 65, author of novels including American Gods and the Ocean at the End of the Lane, has faced allegations of sexual abuse and coercive behaviour, which were outlined in a podcast by the Tortoise Media team in July 2024. Continue reading...
Move from Claudia Sheinbaum comes after Trump signed an order threatening tariffs on countries that sell oil to CubaMexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to send humanitarian aid this week to Cuba and said Mexico was exploring all diplomatic avenues to be able to send fuel to the Cuban people," despite efforts from Washington to cut off oil to the Caribbean nation.Donald Trump last week signed an executive order allowing the US to slap tariffs on countries sending crude oil to Cuba and on Saturday said that Sheinbaum had agreed to halt shipments of oil at his request - a claim the Mexican leader rejected. Continue reading...
Commissioner to file motion requesting return of property unlawfully taken during raid related to 2020 electionFulton county leaders said they would fire back in court on Monday, intent on limiting the scope of a federal warrant that led the FBI to seize 2020 elections documents last week.County attorneys intend to file a motion in federal court asking for an order mandating the return of property that was unlawfully seized or retained, said the Fulton county commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. Continue reading...
Ruling clears Denmark's Orsted to resume construction on its Sunrise Wind project off the coast of New YorkAll five offshore wind projects halted by the Trump administration in December can resume construction after a federal judge's ruling on Monday that cleared Denmark's Orsted to proceed with its Sunrise Wind project off the coast of New York.Orsted's request for an injunction blocking the interior department order was the fifth brought by an offshore wind developer since the 22 December pause on five leases. The agency stopped work on the multibillion-dollar facilities due to national security concerns around radar interference. Continue reading...
by Aneesa Ahmed(now), Andrew Sparrow (earlier) on (#738XZ)
Gordon Brown calls for inquiry over Peter Mandelson's apparent disclosure of highly sensitive government information to Jeffrey EpsteinPeter Mandelson leaked a sensitive UK government document to Jeffrey Epstein while he was business secretary that proposed 20bn of asset sales and revealed Labour's tax policy plans", the Financial Times is reporting.In his story, Jim Pickard says:The memo, dubbed Business Issues", was written on June 13 2009 by Nick Butler, who at the time was special adviser to the then prime minister Gordon Brown.The confidential document, which was released by the US Department of Justice as part of a tranche of millions of files relating to Epstein, had been sent to British government officials including cabinet secretary Jeremy Heywood.It is right that Peter Mandelson is no longer a member of the Labour party. Disciplinary action was underway prior to his resignation.
The latest revelations and reaction to them may mean he has finally encountered a scandal he is unable to outrunIt was the evening of 6 May 2010 and months after being released from jail for procuring a child for prostitution, Jeffrey Epstein was curious as to the result of Britain's general election.Well?" he emailed Peter Mandelson, the then de facto deputy prime minister in Gordon Brown's government. Continue reading...
Demand for year 7 pupils is expected to fall by 7.6% over the next four years, with similar numbers expected in primary schoolsSchools in London could lose 45m in funding over the next four years as pupil numbers continue to fall, a report has warned, with secondary schools facing staff and curriculum cuts as budgets dwindle.Until now, primary schools in the capital have been worst hit by falling birth rates, leading to about 90 school closures or mergers in the past five years. But the crisis is now spreading to secondary schools, which are expected to see steep declines in pupil numbers. Continue reading...
Poor communication also cited as factor in death of Ellame Ford-Dunn, 16, on Worthing hospital's groundsA shortage of mental health beds and poor communication between agencies contributed to the death of a teenage girl on hospital grounds, an inquest has found.Ellame Ford-Dunn, 16, who had a history of self-harm, died in March 2022 after absconding from an acute children's ward where she had been put because of a dearth of appropriate mental health beds. Continue reading...
by Nadia Khomami Arts and culture correspondent on (#7397T)
Croydon school's principal says success of Olivia Dean and Lola Young is a brilliant celebration' of free arts educationAs the Grammy winners took to the stage in Los Angeles on Sunday night, one common thread emerged: many had once walked the halls of a comprehensive school in Croydon, south London.British performers Olivia Dean, who won the prestigious gong for best new artist; Lola Young, who took home best pop solo performance for Messy; and FKA twigs, who won best dance/electronic album for Eusexua, all attended the Brit school in Selhurst. As did Raye, who earlier in the week received the Harry Belafonte best song for social change award for Ice Cream Man. Continue reading...
Former Italian PM and ECB chief says Europe must urgently unify on defence and foreign affairsUkraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country's energy system remained seriously" challenged by the impact of recent Russian strikes.More than 200 buildings are still without heating in Kyiv, as temperatures plummeted to -17 Celsius, with crews from many regions of Ukraine ... deployed for the repair work."Europe absolutely can defend yourself. Please stop whining. Why is this so much whingeing about [on], you know, if the US leave, what are we going to do? Come on.... Europe ... why are we so scared: please, don't leave the US leave...' Please stand up to my president. Hold us accountable. Make us live up to our talking points." Continue reading...
by Cate Brown and Aram Roston in Washington on (#7396N)
Gothams LLC's draft proposal, obtained by the Guardian, suggests seven-year trucking and logistics monopolyA US disaster response firm submitted a plan to White House officials that would guarantee 300% profits and a seven-year monopoly over a new trucking and logistics plan for Donald Trump's Board of Peace in Gaza, according to a November proposal obtained by the Guardian.The draft plan from Gothams LLC would allow it to collect a fee for every truck moving goods into Gaza, and charge for the use of its warehousing and distribution system. Continue reading...
Charge is designed to protect much-loved monument from overtourism, but not all visitors like the ideaTeresa Romero is in Rome to celebrate a milestone birthday and one of the first things she did on Monday was visit the Trevi fountain to participate in the ritual of tossing a coin into the waters of the late baroque masterpiece.But before the Portuguese tourist could get close to the fountain, she had to hand over 2 (1.70) - the cost of an access fee that has finally been enacted by Rome council officials after years of discussions. Continue reading...
Dozens of eCourier workers who deliver vital NHS samples claim they are classed wrongly as self-employedDozens of drivers are taking legal action against a Royal Mail-owned courier service, arguing that they are entitled to workers' rights.The 46 drivers are classified as self-employed by eCourier. They work around the clock making deliveries, including transporting vital blood and tissue samples to and from NHS hospitals. Continue reading...
The US president tried to kill offshore wind projects - now four are back under constructionConstruction has resumed on four offshore wind mega-projects after they survived a near fatal attack by Donald Trump's administration thanks to rulings by federal judges. These are being seen as victories for clean energy amid a wider war being waged on it by the Trump administration.The wind farms are considered critical by grid planners as America faces an energy affordability crisis. Together, the four projects will contribute nearly five gigawatts of energy to the east coast, enough to power 3.5 million homes. Continue reading...
by Maggie Shopova and Ed Walton for Met Desk on (#738ZS)
Island's first tropical storm of season may bring 150mm of rain - meanwhile, eastern Europe freezes with possible night-time lows of -30CAt least three people have died and nearly 30,000 people have been affected by flooding after Madagascar's first tropical storm of the season hit over the weekend.Tropical Cyclone Fytia formed to the north-west of Madagascar over the northern Mozambique Channel on Thursday. Continue reading...
Labour suspended Norris, 66, last year after his original arrest on suspicion of child sexual abuse offencesDan Norris, a former Labour minister and now an independent MP, has been rearrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and upskirting, it is understood.Labour suspended Norris, 66, who defeated Jacob Rees-Mogg at the last election, last year after his original arrest. Continue reading...
Explore the Guardian's tracker to see which operators are nationalised and if services are improving under public ownershipThe majority of Great Britain's major rail operators are now in public ownership, as the Labour government continues its efforts to make the railways more reliable, affordable and accessible".The nationalisation of West Midlands Trains on 1 February represents the tenth major passenger service to be brought back into public ownership, leaving six to go before the government's deadline of completing every operator by 2027. Continue reading...
World news | The Guardian