UK confirms first migrants held for Rwanda deportation flights

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to stop migrants arriving on small boats from mainland Europe

The UK government confirmed Wednesday it had detained an unspecified number of migrants in recent days for deportation to Rwanda in July under its controversial new policy. It comes a week after lawmakers ended months of parliamentary wrangling and passed a law allowing some asylum seekers to be deported by declaring Rwanda to be a… Continue reading UK confirms first migrants held for Rwanda deportation flights

Why Israel is so determined to launch an offensive in Rafah. And why so many oppose it

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza Strip. Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Mohammad Jahjouh) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Israel is determined to launch a ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost town, a plan that has raised global alarm because of the potential for harm to more than a million Palestinian civilians sheltering there. Even as the U.S., Egypt and Qatar pushed for a cease-fire deal they hope would avert an assault on Rafah, Prime… Continue reading Why Israel is so determined to launch an offensive in Rafah. And why so many oppose it

‘Miss Peregrine’ author Ransom Riggs to launch new fantasy series, ‘Sunderworld’

Ransom Riggs’ first new series since the million-selling “Miss Peregrine” books will launch this summer. “Sunderworld, Vol. 1 The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry” begins the adventures of a Los Angeles teen who, after his mother’s death, has some surreal encounters in his everyday life. Dutton Books for Young Readers, a Penguin Random House imprint, will publish “Sunderworld” on… Continue reading ‘Miss Peregrine’ author Ransom Riggs to launch new fantasy series, ‘Sunderworld’

G7 nations commit to phasing out coal by 2035 but leave room to extend that deadline

Energy and environment ministers of the Group of Seven leading industrialised nations have committed to phase out coal power by 2035 Energy and environment ministers of the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations committed Tuesday to phase out coal power by 2035, marking the first time the G7 has explicitly referenced a phase-out, but left flexibility… Continue reading G7 nations commit to phasing out coal by 2035 but leave room to extend that deadline

Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini’s execution

Dozens of people in northern Italy have raised their arms in the fascist salute to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honour Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary… Continue reading Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini’s execution

US to reclassify cannabis as low-risk drug

US President Joe Biden’s administration is set to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, an official said Tuesday — a historic shift that would bring federal policy more in line with public opinion. The US attorney general sent a proposal to the White House on Tuesday to “reclassify marijuana,” Justice Department spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa… Continue reading US to reclassify cannabis as low-risk drug

Rachel Deacon at the Catto Gallery

Inspiration comes from the most unexpected places. In the case of Rachel Deacon, her artistic career was sent in a completely different direction by…a home extension. When the construction was complete and the builders had left, Rachel was left with a huge blank wall. It was crying out for a big canvas, a statement abstract… Continue reading Rachel Deacon at the Catto Gallery

The UK police won’t acknowledge institutional racism in their race action plan

In light of racially disproportionate stop and search practices, the case of Child Q and other accusations of misconduct, police in England and Wales are under pressure to address racism in their ranks. But their plan to do this through changes such as mandatory anti-racism training for all officers refuses to accept that the service itself is institutionally… Continue reading The UK police won’t acknowledge institutional racism in their race action plan

LGBTQ+ people are facing increasing persecution globally, but refugee status is still extremely hard to get

The newly passed Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda has made a country that was already dangerous for LGBTQ+ people truly treacherous. The new law includes the death penalty for the so-called offence of “aggravated homosexuality”, defined as same-sex relations involving someone who is HIV positive or under the age of 18. Many countries around the world are moving towards… Continue reading LGBTQ+ people are facing increasing persecution globally, but refugee status is still extremely hard to get

Fallacy: France sent troops to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war, inciting WW3

Truth: The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X that France has not deployed troops to Ukraine, calling the claim “disinformation.” Reports of the deployment cited a May 3 blog post by Stephen Bryen, a deputy undersecretary for the Department of Defence during the Reagan administration. “France has sent its first troops officially to Ukraine,” the blog… Continue reading Fallacy: France sent troops to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war, inciting WW3