Thursday Briefing – The New York Times

A "toxic stench" from a landfill in Fleetwood, blamed on Storm Eowyn, caused nose bleeds and health issues for locals. Transwaste stated that the smell would dissipate once repairs were completed, but MP Lorraine Beavers revealed that residents had been suffering from the foul odor for a year. The landfill had been emitting a "rotten egg smell" since February 2024, initially caused by new equipment installation, with gas capture infrastructure and new capping later implemented...

This week's Inside Spain delves into the hypothetical scenario where Vox would hold power if only the Spanish police and military were allowed to vote. Additionally, a Spanish football team is bringing attention to an invasive algae plaguing Andalusia's sea through an innovative kit. The team's efforts aim to raise awareness about the environmental issue and encourage action to combat the pollution. Full Article

Abdul Malik Ali, owner of Amalik Cafe Ltd, was fined after selling an ostrich curry dish containing sheep meat at his Jaipur Spice takeaway restaurant in Thirsk. Ali pleaded guilty to Food Safety Act offences and explained that a temporary chef had mistakenly used the wrong meat. He was fined £237, while Amalik Cafe Ltd was fined £120, with additional costs and victim surcharges totaling £1120. Full Article

This week saw a threefold increase in civilian casualties in Sudan, with escalating violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe as reported by UN Humanitarian Coordinator Clementine Nkweta-Salami. Artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks have devastated populated areas, resulting in at least 80 civilian casualties in Kadugli, while aid workers are facing threats and violence, urging all parties to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers and human rights defenders. Full...

Rachel Reeves faced setbacks in her efforts to boost economic growth as the Bank of England downplayed the possibility of a significant interest rate cut, opting for a more cautious approach. Chief economist Huw Pill's comments came after the bank halved its growth forecast and warned of higher inflation and increased unemployment due to rising taxes and minimum wage. Reeves' future as chancellor is in question, with the Bank highlighting unexpected pay growth as a...

British conman Robert Hendy-Freegard, subject of a Netflix documentary, has been sentenced to six years in a French prison for injuring two police officers. Found guilty of posing as a spy for MI5 to defraud victims, he fled police questioning in Creuse, France, where he illegally bred dogs under a false name. Previously sentenced to life in 2005 in London for theft and deception, Hendy-Freegard's decade-long charade involved manipulating multiple unsuspecting individuals. Full Article