Six Belgian cities compete for culture

Former chair of the child sexual abuse inquiry, Professor Alexis Jay, criticized the Tory government's response to her recommendations as "awful," stating it was inconsequential and insubstantial. The government's official response, published in May 2023 under Home Secretary Suella Braverman, lacked specific commitments and only partially implemented one recommendation due to the general election. Current Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to enact all 20 recommendations before Easter, addressing the disappointments and anger of victims...

In response to X, Lauterbach described the situation as a "catastrophe for the health of the poorest people worldwide." The U.S. contributes 20% of mandatory WHO funds, totaling $130 million in 2024, while Germany is the second largest donor, providing $229 million in voluntary contributions in 2023. With concerns over WHO funding under Trump, other donors are urged to reassess their contributions to prevent a significant decrease in WHO resources. Full Article

The Independent relies on donations to support their investigative journalism on topics like reproductive rights and Big Tech. Prince Harry is suing News Group Newspapers for alleged phone-hacking, alongside other high-profile figures who have settled similar cases. The trial is set to last 10 weeks, with the duke expected to give evidence over several days. Full Article

Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the significance of the Southport killings as a turning point for the UK, cautioning that terrorism has evolved and now poses a new threat from individuals fixated on extreme violence. The prime minister defended the government's handling of the case, stressing the importance of maintaining transparency to ensure justice is served in the trial of Axel Rudakubana, who pleaded guilty to multiple charges including murder and attempted murder at a...

Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old, admitted to killing three girls at a dance class in Southport on the first day of his trial, pleading guilty to three counts of murder and other charges including possession of terrorist material. He will be sentenced on Thursday with a life sentence likely to be imposed. The devastating attack occurred on July 29, 2024, with witnesses describing young girls being carried out of the dance studio covered in blood with...

When three Israeli hostages were released from Gaza, Israeli kindergarten teacher Meytal Ofer felt conflicting emotions of joy and hurt as Israel agreed to release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including one who murdered her father. The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has brought celebration but also challenges, with Israel in control of strategic parts of Gaza and Hamas still in power, raising fears and ambivalence among Israelis about the future. The release of hostages has sparked...