‘It is all a lie’: Russian propagandists pose as locals welcoming troops to occupied Kherson
Life under Russian control began with internet blackouts, and the occupying forces have taken over television to blast propaganda into every home. Locals say there is no…
BBC suspends operations in Russia after clampdown on independent journalism
It is understood that simply calling the conflict in Ukraine a “war” or “invasion” and not the state-sanctioned nomenclature “special military operation” could be enough for reporters…
History, politics and mercenaries: why so many African nations are quietly standing by Putin
During the Cold War, Moscow supported many liberation movements across Africa – in countries including Angola, Mozambique and South Africa. Some aging elites even studied in Moscow…
Bill Gates’ relationship with ‘evil’ Jeffrey Epstein a factor in $105bn divorce, says ex-wife Melinda
It emerged shortly afterwards that Microsoft was investigating a complaint alleging that Mr Gates had “sought to initiate an intimate relationship” with a female employee in 2000….
Mother of transgender teenager suspended from work after Texas says allowing ‘sex change’ is child abuse
These procedures include “reassignment surgeries that can cause sterilisation, mastectomies, removals of otherwise healthy body parts, and administration of puberty-blocking drugs.” However, a Texas judge has now…
Shark spotted near Australian beach as deadly floods trigger new danger to life
The floods have so far claimed 13 lives. Intense rainfall over the past week has increased the level of nutrients and run-off which ends up in coastal…
Saudi crown prince says being accused of ordering murder of Jamal Khashoggi ‘hurt his feelings’
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman says accusations that he ordered the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi hurt his feelings. Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist, was murdered…
Trans swim champion speaks out: ‘I am female and deserve respect’
“The very simple answer is that I’m not a man,” she told the magazine. “I’m a woman, so I belong on the women’s team. Trans people deserve…
Volodymyr Zelensky has a sober response to Churchill comparisons
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s President, joked that he doesn’t drink as much as Winston Churchill as he appeared to brush off comparisons with the wartime leader. Mr Zelensky,…
Mayhem on Kyiv maternity wards as terrified women are panicked into premature births
As with many of the cases that have arrived in Okhmadyt from the warzone now raging outside, nobody is quite sure how the boy came to grief….
BBC ‘blocked’ in Russia as Moscow accuses broadcaster of undermining political situation
“It’s often said truth is the first casualty of war,” Tim Davie, the BBC’s director general, said as he announced the decision on Thursday. “In a conflict…
A ski holiday with my amputee daughter showed me the real pleasure of being on the slopes
Immediately, she loved it – not least because her “leading leg” was her complete leg, with her prosthesis at the back of the board. She found this…
What I learned about Instagram and travelling – aged 62 (and it’s not what I thought)
If it worked for so many others, maybe it could work for me? It could certainly raise my profile, and it might make me see the world…
I’d choose a holiday in mask-free Norway over Italy time and again
Verdict? A liberating family holiday Our week in Norway drove home that life in Scotland is still far from normal. Yes, things are improving. This week Covid…
Where to have a family holiday this year with unvaccinated children
Egypt Fully vaccinated arrivals face no further rules for entry to Egypt while unvaccinated over-12s can enter with a proof of a negative PCR test taken within…
The Dublin hotel where a two-night stay feels like a 10-day holiday
How I love hotels that exude a sense of place, order, continuity and peace, where all the elements – comfort, service, food – are in harmony, and where…
Why lovers of Italian wine should choose York as their next city break
‘I am sorry to inform you, Sherelle, but you have expensive taste in wine,” said Daniel. With satirical flamboyance, I sniffed then sipped my Schioppettino red from…
The luxurious Indian Ocean holidays that cost as little as £62 a day
With miles of bone-white sand, scalloped bays, coral-hooped lagoons and clotted-cream island specks lapped by liquid Hockney blues, the islands of the Indian Ocean have store cupboard…
Elden Ring review: punishing open world take on the Dark Souls formula more than justifies the hype
The contrast with the well-worn formula employed by more traditional AAA action RPGs like Horizon Forbidden West, for example, could not be starker. And while it’s not…
Bryan Adams: ‘It’s easy to fall into the self-abuse that happens with success’
When one recalls the last few years, it is hard to feel optimistic. Unless your name is Bryan Adams. The Canadian rock star, best known for hits…
Putin, the oligarch and the Fabergé eggs on show in London
They’re the royal treasures of the former Russian empire, the magnificent imperial Easter eggs made for the Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II by the St Petersburg…
Slugs and snails are ‘garden visitors’ and should not be called pests, Royal Horticultural Society says
The word “pest” is not set to be formally replaced with anything and the charity will instead refer to species by their individual names, a spokesman for…
Gambling addiction contributed to teacher’s death, coroner rules, citing ‘woefully inadequate’ support services
Speaking on the steps of Sheffield Town Hall, Liz Ritchie said: “Jack was abused by parasites who inflict life-threatening illness for profit and then blame the victims,…
How the ‘nightmarish’ classic Nosferatu was almost destroyed – by one furious widow
The original screen Dracula – Nosferatu – was supposed to be destroyed. Not by sunlight, a stake through the heart or a generous helping of garlic, but…
West End star sues Disney over claims Aladdin role damaged vocal cords
According to court documents, Miss Ewen had been cast as Princess Jasmine in the popular musical at the Prince Edward Theatre, in Old Compton Street, from April…