State papers: Michael McDowell row Sinn Fein Gerry Adams Martin McGuinness

Union chiefs criticize Labour's plan to cut civil service jobs, calling it a "recipe for disaster" amid a government push for "mutually agreed exits" for underperforming employees. The proposal, denounced as "Trumpian" by unions, aims to dismiss high-paid civil servants if no improvement is seen within six months, sparking backlash over perceived lack of engagement with staff and reliance on headline-grabbing tactics. Critics argue that political instability and lack of investment, rather than workforce issues,...

A Bulgarian journalist targeted by a Russian spy ring revealed that they had a list of "assassination methods" to kill him, including plans to bludgeon him to death and use a suicide bomber. The spies tracked the journalist and his colleague across Europe, with one spy cell even entering his home while his son was present. Three spies were found guilty of conspiracy to spy, with the group plotting kidnappings, killings, and honeytraps, displaying methods...

Pat McFadden, a senior government minister in the UK, rejected the idea of reintroducing conscription despite Europe's concerns about security amid the Ukraine crisis. In contrast, Latvia's President Edgars Rinkevics suggested other European nations should consider conscription as a precaution against potential Russian aggression. The UK recently announced plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, emphasizing the need for Europe to enhance its military capabilities in response to the evolving global...

Traver Boehm, a former cage fighter, contemplated suicide after experiencing multiple life crises, but ultimately decided to embark on a radical social experiment called the 'One Year to Live Project'. During this project, he made amends with ex-partners, ran a marathon illegally, and spent 28 days alone in darkness at an ashram. This experience led him to create the movement Man UNcivilised, aimed at helping men combat loneliness and find purpose through healthy relationships and...

Russian President Vladimir Putin ignored Donald Trump's threats of sanctions and launched deadly attacks in Ukraine, resulting in one of the deadliest days for civilians this year. Despite Trump's criticism of Ukraine, Putin continues the attacks, knowing the threat from Trump was hollow, as the US president falsely attacks Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, believes Trump's actions were for show, as he aligns more closely with Moscow and undermines US...

The Bomb squad was called to detonate a car after a man drove through the barriers of a disused Army barracks in Aldershot. The man, armed with explosives, shouted at guards before being arrested by Hampshire Constabulary. The 54-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing a knife blade in a public place and criminal damage, with the incident not currently being treated as terror-related. Full Article