The Balkan Spring in sight

Douglas Clifton Brown, an Old Etonian with a prestigious family lineage, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for attempting to murder his former partner, Camilla Welby, by throwing her down a well on his family's estate in Norfolk. Following a heated argument in August 2023, Clifton Brown violently attacked Welby, threatening to kill her before dragging her towards the well. Despite his threats, Welby managed to escape after fighting back and was later hospitalized...

John (Shakhovsky), archbishop of San Francisco, addresses the complexity of Orthodox and sectarian identities, highlighting the presence of spiritual authenticity among individuals regardless of their professed faith. He emphasizes the importance of living out the truth of Orthodoxy through genuine love and devotion to God and others, rather than mere adherence to doctrinal correctness. Shakhovsky acknowledges the imperfections within the Orthodox community, urging for a deeper spiritual transformation and humility in following the teachings of...

The disappearance of iconic high street brands like Woolworths, WH Smith, and BHS has left a bittersweet mark on our shopping history, as these stores were more than just places to buy goods, but a part of daily life and the fabric of town centres. Rising rents, changing consumer habits, and the rise of online shopping have all contributed to the decline of these beloved stores, altering the landscape of our high streets forever. With...

Asian stocks declined as investors awaited details of US President Donald Trump's tariff plans, which could escalate global trade tensions. Trump is set to impose new tariffs without specifying the size and scope, causing uncertainty in the markets. Markets in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and mainland China dropped amid fears of a potential global economic slowdown due to the ongoing trade war. Full Article

University College London PhD student Zhenhao Zou has been found guilty of raping 10 women and filming the attacks with hidden cameras, leading to an appeal for other victims to come forward. Zou, described as a "dangerous and predatory" offender, targeted young Chinese women by drugging and assaulting them in his flat. More than 20 women have since reported being raped by Zou, with police investigating if they can be identified among the 50 unidentified...

Jens Laerke, spokesperson for OCHA, expressed deep shock over the killing of 15 humanitarian workers by the Israeli military in Rafah, with bodies found buried near destroyed vehicles. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called for an investigation into the systematic killings, as the death toll of aid workers in Gaza reaches 408. UNICEF condemned Israeli breaches of international humanitarian law, highlighting the dire situation in Gaza following the breakdown of the ceasefire. Full Article