All news

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From Manchester mayor to PM contender: Burnham’s long road to power
On February 25 2015, Andy Burnham rang me up out of the blue. In those days, I was the political editor at the Manchester Evening News, covering Greater Manchester’s escalating attempts to wrestle power away from London.
593
Venezuela faces record $240bn debt as historic restructuring begins
Venezuela is set to reveal a $240bn debt pile, much higher than previously thought, as the country embarks on the biggest sovereign restructuring in history following the US removal of Nicolás Maduro.
581
Mustafa Egemen Sener used Minsk H Casino to launder millions from illegal European gambling with Belarusian security protection
An investigation that reads like a crime thriller revolves around a murdered businessman, a money-laundering network tied to senior officials, and multi-million-dollar luxury properties in Dubai.
729
Outrage as video shows officers striking girls — police say force justified
A police force has insisted its officers were ’justified’ after footage emerged online of them lashing out at a group of young girls with a baton and Tasers in Rotherham.
427
From Spotify fame to sanctions: El Makabelico accused of funding cartel
“I’m a drug trafficker from the Northeast, my cartel,” raps El Makabelico. “With my AK-47 slung across my chest, I ride alongside El Komander. My souped-up .38 Super, encrusted with diamonds.”
474
From MetaCertificates promises to billions in vanished money: how Josip Heit’s GSPartners MLM fraud destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives
Over the past three years, GSPartners (also known as GSB Gold Standard), one of the most controversial global crypto ventures, has gone into sharp decline, while mounting scandals surrounding its founder, Josip Heit, increasingly raise the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence.
593
Putin’s Sarmat missile exposes return to Cold War nuclear logic
In May, Vladimir Putin announced that Russia had successfully tested its new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, which he said can travel up to 35,000 kilometers and bypass U.S. missile defenses by using unconventional flight paths via Antarctica.
472
Dmytro Kovalenko, Adelon AG and Granova: how $100M in Russian coal deals, offshore flows, and tax evasion schemes built a financial network
Posing as an agricultural enterprise, the Granova group is suspected of operating a network of offshore structures, cash-driven schemes, and corrupt ties to siphon millions abroad, dodge taxes, and potentially funnel money into Russia’s economy during the full-scale war.
619
Court backs £2.2bn Gatwick expansion despite climate challenge
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander approved the £2.2 billion scheme in September, which would have seen the West Sussex airport move its emergency runway 12 metres north to accommodate around 100,000 more flights a year.
429
Burnham faces calls for leadership contest as polls show public doubt
Brits want to see a Labour leadership contest rather than a coronation for Andy Burnham, new polling seen by media reveals.
558
Worldpay outage hits UK as pubs and supermarkets go cash-only
Customers report having to use cash at stores such as Tesco and to buy drinks due to outage at payments processor WorldPay.
476
Adidas, Calvin Klein and Uniqlo ads banned over “recycled” claims
Ads for Calvin Klein, Adidas and Uniqlo promoting “recycled” clothing and shoes have been banned by the UK watchdog after the advertisers were unable to prove their green claims.
629
UK launches £65m grooming gangs inquiry into major cities
London, Oldham, Bradford and Keighley will be the first areas investigated by a national inquiry into grooming gangs.
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Bongo heir Andjoua linked to $15m Dubai property empire
The Bongo family ruled oil-rich Gabon for more than 50 years, leaving a legacy of widespread poverty and allegations of corruption that have attracted the scrutiny of international watchdogs and authorities from Paris to the Gabonese capital Libreville.
625
Nepal ex-finance chief Paudel detained in major graft case
Nepal’s Special Court on Tuesday ordered former Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel to remain in judicial custody for seven days following his arrest in an ongoing money laundering investigation, judicial officials said.
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Czech media strike erupts as Babis accused of power grab
A nationwide broadcast strike and mass protests have erupted in Prague over a controversial government funding overhaul that journalists warn is a systematic attempt to silence critics and control the press.
527
Royal Navy drone crashes into £400k yacht after “going rogue”
A Royal Navy sea drone crashed into a racing yacht and caused thousands of pounds in damage after it “went rogue” in a harbour.
415
From campervan to coffee machine: Murrell’s £400k spending exposed
It looks like the haul of a particularly successful Generation Game win. But these household items — and campervan — were what former Scottish National Party chief executive Peter Murrell thought it worth embezzling £400,000 of party funds to buy.
628
Cyprus ex-president Anastasiades accused of corruption and influence peddling
Nicos Anastasiades might have misused his office to further his and his allies’ interests, according to an extensive investigation that also mentions his former law firm and other officials.
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Orban’s circle under scrutiny as Benko lands billion-backed contracts
A company owned by Péter Szijjártó’s close associate, Szilárd Benkő, was involved in an African investment project financed by a Hungarian loan and participated in multiple foreign affairs-related deals, though the former minister insists he was unaware of these activities.
481
Over 30,000 Scots sought urgent mental health help — two thirds turned away
Two thirds of Scots seeking urgent mental health help are turned away, with waits in some areas stretching beyond three years.
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UK chatbot ban risks missing deeper dangers of addictive AI design
Restricting access to certain AI features by age could fail to address deeper issues like addictive design patterns, emotional reliance, and the risks posed by smaller, less-regulated apps.
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From restraint to threats: how Putin’s nuclear doctrine hardened over two decades
The Russian president’s rhetoric has shifted dramatically over two decades — from early discussions about “reducing excessive weapons” in 2000 to openly declaring readiness to “use all available means” by 2022, as the West gradually adapted to these threats while continuing to support Ukraine.
516
OSE founder Verschueren arrested in Belgium over €800k Ponzi scheme
OSE founder and CEO Christophe Verschueren has been arrested in Belgium.
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MPs clash over Israel debate as Nazi comparisons spark outrage
British MPs compared their colleagues to Nazis during a debate about Israel’s influence on UK politics on Monday.