In E.U. Elections, the Center Holds, but the Far Right Still Wreaks Havoc

The family of slain teen Shawn Seesahai expressed satisfaction with the Court of Appeal's decision to increase the sentences of his two murderers, the UK's youngest knife killers, from eight-and-a-half to 10 years. The boys, who were 12 at the time of the fatal attack in Wolverhampton, were deemed to have received unduly lenient sentences for the "particularly serious" case. Mr. Seesahai's family welcomed the decision, stating that while no sentence can bring back their...

The EU Parliament finalized recommendations for the EU's position on the UN global gathering on women's rights in March 2025, urging leadership in promoting gender equality through the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. MEPs emphasized the importance of upholding women's rights as a foundation of the EU's external action, advocating for gender budgeting, mainstreaming, and enhanced data collection, as well as increased measures to combat gender-based violence, including online abuse and a consent-based definition...

Water bills in England and Wales are set to increase by 36% over the next five years, with an average additional cost of £31 per year for households, although this will vary depending on the provider. This rise is higher than the expected 21% outlined in July, and is intended to fund a £104 billion upgrade in the water sector for customer and environmental improvements. Ofwat has emphasized the need for companies to improve their...

EU leaders are focused on supporting Ukraine and maintaining the bloc's role in the world, emphasizing the need for unity to project strength globally. Kallas highlighted the contrast between a rules-based EU world order and one based on might. The EU welcomed the collapse of Assad's regime in Syria and is considering working with the new leadership to close Russian military bases in the country. Full Article

British Defence Secretary John Healey has hinted at the possibility of sending British troops to Ukraine to provide training for soldiers in their conflict against Russia, with discussions ongoing within the Ministry of Defence. Currently, British medical personnel are already in Ukraine delivering training, and the UK has previously trained Ukrainian soldiers in the UK under Operation Interflex. Healey emphasized the need to make training more accessible to Ukrainians and to help them recruit and...

The Independent relies on donations to support their investigative journalism, covering topics such as reproductive rights and climate change. With a commitment to providing quality journalism accessible to all, The Independent seeks to keep Americans informed at this critical moment in US history. Your contribution helps fund reporters on the ground to deliver unbiased reporting. Ofwat has announced a 36% increase in water bills over the next five years in England and Wales, with the...