Deadly China quake, Killings of Alawites in Syria, executions in Iran, CAR rights defenders, finance and food crises

Sir Keir Starmer has announced the abolition of NHS England to prioritize frontline services and shift resources to patient care, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and increase funding for nurses. The move, which includes bringing NHS management under democratic control, follows a recent leadership shakeup at NHS England due to perceived duplication of roles and wasted resources, with a focus on streamlining operations and cutting waiting times for patients. Full Article

Spain's leftist government, the smallest spender on defence in Nato, faces resistance as it seeks to increase military budget to meet European demands. Amid concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US security guarantees, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez aims to reach the two-percent Nato benchmark, but faces opposition from separatist and far-left parties. Public opinion in Spain, historically shaped by General Franco's dictatorship, prioritizes health and education over military spending, despite Sánchez's support for Ukraine...

Each year, the Cheltenham Festival attracts over 200,000 racegoers to the Regency town, featuring jubilant jockeys and celebrity-filled crowds. However, recent reports reveal a darker side, with more women feeling unsafe due to increased harassment, prompting the borough council to open a safe space for young people to escape unwanted attention. Women like Jo Surma have experienced catcalling, grabbing, and being followed home, making Cheltenham a no-go area for many during race week. Full Article

The Church of Scientology Sweden and its affiliate Churches in Stockholm, Malmö, and Gothenburg are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Religious Recognition on the Birthday of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 13 March 2000, in accordance with the Act on Religious Communities. After gaining tax exemption in 1999, the Church was officially recognized as a Bona Fide religion in Sweden, granting them legal rights for conducting ceremonies. Scientology has been actively involved in social...

The fire on the oil tanker involved in the crash in the North Sea has been extinguished, with no visible signs of smoke or flame reported by Crowley, the maritime company managing the Stena Immaculate. However, the Solong cargo ship, owned by Ernst Russ, remains alight and continues to emit smoke with occasional reports of flames. The captain of the Solong, a Russian national, has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection...

Paloma Faith, a mother-of-two, has joined a movement of parents advocating for a smartphone-free childhood, stating that her eight-year-old stopped begging for a smartphone once she installed a landline for prank calls. Co-parenting with her ex-husband, Faith believes that limiting smartphone use has led to better sleep, focus, imagination, and behavior in her children. Celebrities like Joe Wicks and Benedict Cumberbatch have also committed to delaying smartphone use for their children until at least age...