Wes Streeting describes ‘unbelievable volume’ of homophobic abuse since becoming defence secretary 26. August 2026 (20:41) Streeting says role is chance to show strength and challenge stereotype that ‘persists in dark corners of internet’Wes Streeting has described receiving a mass of homophobic abuse since he was made defence secretary last month, while also saying his appointment had been welcomed by some in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as a sign of change.Until 2000, gay men and lesbian women were banned from serving in the UK military, with about 200-plus personnel thrown out of the forces each year due to their sexuality – an estimate, as proper records were not kept. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump downplays Moscow visit by CIA director as ‘semi-routine’ 26. August 2026 (20:21) President denies visit was to gain support for Iran sanctions or due to fears that Putin plans to ‘test Nato resolve’Donald Trump has downplayed a visit to Moscow by the CIA director, John Ratcliffe, as “semi-routine” after he turned up in the Russian capital unannounced, triggering a wave of speculation about the reasons for his trip.Ratcliffe was reported to have flown to Moscow on a government transport plane on Tuesday in a rare visit after taking off from the Andrews air force base in Maryland. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
How to lose Trump’s trade war: test Canada’s resolve with threats to hockey sticks 26. August 2026 (20:15) The US president expected Ottawa to bow to tariff demands, but Canada is striking back – and it could cost AmericansThis was originally published in This Week in Trumpland. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every WednesdayEarlier this year, a survey found that Canada, along with Switzerland, was the best-liked country in the world. We all know this kind of polling is about as scientific as a high school popularity contest, but at least anecdotally, Canadians have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming, respectful and polite. Many people would find it difficult to dislike Canadians.But not Donald Trump, who in a “hold my beer” moment this week demonstrated that he, at least, finds it easy to resent Canadians. The US president called the country “difficult and unreasonable”, and in a particularly hysterical moment, threatened to rename a lake, after trade talks collapsed. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Amol Rajan warns BBC destined to shrink at ‘accelerating rate’ 26. August 2026 (20:15) Presenter says he is moving to YouTube to avoid being left ‘behind the curve’ as media landscape changesThe outgoing Today programme presenter Amol Rajan has warned that the BBC is destined to “get smaller at an accelerating rate”, as he prepares to depart for a new project on YouTube.Rajan, who announced earlier this year that he was leaving BBC News to “unleash my inner entrepreneur” in the creator economy, said he was making the shift to ensure he was not “behind the curve”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US issues sanctions against UK-based direct action group Palestine Action 26. August 2026 (19:45) US labels group ‘global terrorist’ as Palestine Action challenge against proscription in UK nears supreme court hearingThe US has issued sanctions against the UK-based direct action organisation Palestine Action, describing it as a “transnational terror group”.The US Department of the Treasury labelled Palestine Action a specially designated global terrorist on Wednesday, which allows the US to freeze the assets of foreign individuals and entities. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
No more UK energy bills support likely before price cap rise 26. August 2026 (18:52) Andy Burnham stops short of pledging further help as gas and electricity prices due to increase by 4% in OctoberHouseholds are unlikely to receive further energy bills support before the October price cap, though more targeted measures could be looked at if there is a further shock in January, government sources said.Gas and electricity prices will rise by 4% from October under the new cap. The government has already removed VAT from domestic electricity bills to save average households £45 a year, a move announced in Andy Burnham’s first week in office. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
FDA gives expedited approval to new groundbreaking pancreatic cancer drug 26. August 2026 (18:48) FDA officials approve first-of-a-kind pill called daraxonrasib to fight one of the deadliest types of cancerThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a groundbreaking new drug for the most common form of pancreatic cancer, offering US patients a more effective treatment against one of the deadliest types of the disease.FDA officials gave expedited approval to the first-of-a-kind pill, called daraxonrasib, that blocks a mutated protein which fuels tumor growth in more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. It’s an approach that has eluded drugmakers for decades. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Escape wizard’ who has broken out of four prisons is arrested in Spain 26. August 2026 (18:22) Albanian criminal has cut bars, descended sheets and even used human pyramid in escapes in Italy and BelgiumPolice in Spain have arrested a dangerous Albanian criminal nicknamed the “escape wizard” who has managed to break out of four jails in Italy and Belgium by sawing through bars, clambering down knotted sheets and even using a human pyramid to breach prison walls.The fugitive, who has not been officially named, was arrested after officers from the Policía Nacional force discovered he was living in the north-eastern Spanish city of Tarragona. He was the subject of a European arrest warrant issued by the Italian authorities. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Two women accuse former Fat White Family member Saul Adamczewski of physical and emotional abuse 26. August 2026 (17:42) Insecure Men singer has now been dropped by his record label and had tour dates cancelled after two women shared allegations about his behaviourSaul Adamczewski of Insecure Men and formerly of Fat White Family has been dropped by his record label and had tour dates cancelled after two women shared allegations of physical and emotional abuse against the musician.One woman said that the pair had a short relationship that resulted in a pregnancy, after which, she alleged, Adamczewski “made it his duty to make me suffer. He has been violent, pushed me, thrown glass bottles at me, showered me with beer […] insulted me, taken my passport from me, stolen my money and more, all while I had our baby.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Texas law banning drag shows where children may be present struck down again 26. August 2026 (17:14) ‘This is a profoundly flawed decision that endangers our children and is an affront to Texas values,’ Ken Paxton saysA federal judge has, for a second time, struck down a Texas state law banning drag performances in settings where children may be present.In a ruling issued on Tuesday, US district judge David Hittner said Texas cannot enforce its drag show ban. He said that the measure improperly restricts speech and violates the first amendment of the US constitution. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
