Why the lessons of the DRC’s last Ebola outbreak are being tested again 19. May 2026 (14:51) The emergency caused by the Bundibugyo variant has revived fears shaped by conflict, mistrust and delayed detection, even as the WHO moves quicklyTo be around the centre of an Ebola outbreak is to become used to the smell of chlorine. At hospitals and government buildings, surfaces are sprayed with it and hands washed in a 0.05% solution that can kill the virus in 60 seconds.Infrared handheld thermometers take temperatures at airports and border crossings. Any indication of a fever prevents passage. Contact-tracing teams crisscross the countryside. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Minister defends Mandelson file redactions and says documents to be released in June – UK politics live 19. May 2026 (14:47) Darren Jones says release will be ‘one of the largest government publications ever laid in this house’On Friday parliament’s intelligence and security committee issued a damning statement about the government’s response to the humble address requiring the release of documents relating to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US. It said the government was not fully complying with what is in effect an instruction from the Commons. For good measure, the committee also accuses the government of not keeping proper record of its decisions and of doing far too much business by WhatsApp. Here is our story, by Henry Dyer and Paul Lewis.At 12.30pm Jeremy Wright, deputy chair of the committee and a former Tory attorney general, will ask a Commons urgent question about this. He is asking Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the PM, to reply. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
New York federal judge bans ICE arrests at Manhattan immigration courts 19. May 2026 (14:47) Ruling blocks detentions at three federal courthouses except in rare cases amid protests over tacticsA federal judge in New York has banned US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting immigrants in or around three federal courthouses in lower Manhattan, where vigorous confrontations have played out since the start of Donald Trump’s second presidency.Under an order issued on Monday by P Kevin Castel, a US district judge, federal agents are no longer allowed to make arrests of immigrants except under exceptional circumstances at the sites where hearings are held before immigration judges. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Married at First Sight rape allegations are concerning, says ex-Channel 4 boss 19. May 2026 (14:39) Alex Mahon backs investigations into MAFS UK as Channel 4 removes all seasons of show from streaming platformRape allegations made by women who appeared on Married at First Sight (MAFS) UK are “very serious and concerning”, a former Channel 4 chief executive has said.Alex Mahon said launching an investigation was “the right thing” to do and the seriousness of the allegations meant current protocols around ensuring reality TV programmes met their duty of care to participants would need to be reviewed to ensure “enough is being done”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Police to seek criminal charges against 77 companies and people over Grenfell fire 19. May 2026 (14:38) Scotland Yard to send files to CPS with ‘strong evidence’ of potential wrongdoing – but any trials could be years awayScotland Yard has said it hopes to bring criminal charges against 77 companies and individuals for the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, in which 72 people died.The lead investigator, Garry Moncrieff, said his team of 220 detectives had gathered “strong evidence” of potential wrongdoing. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Son of Mango fashion chain founder arrested in Spain over death of father 19. May 2026 (14:35) Catalan police questioning Jonathan Andic over father Isak Andic’s apparent fall down a mountain ravine in 2024Police in Catalonia have arrested the son of Isak Andic, the founder of the fashion chain Mango, and are questioning him in connection with the death of his father in the mountains near Barcelona almost 18 months ago.Andic, who was 71, died in December 2024 after apparently falling 100 metres down a ravine while hiking in Montserrat with his son, Jonathan. His death prompted tributes from politicians, journalists and the fashion world. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Voters in six states head to polls with Kentucky’s Massie facing Trump’s fury – US politics live 19. May 2026 (14:35) Contest seen as latest test of president’s grip on GOP as he urges voters to reject one of the few senior Republicans who has defied himSign up for the Breaking News US email While the most watched race is in Kentucky, the primary races in Georgia – one for the seat of a senator and another for the governor – have also gathered a lot of interest.In Georgia, Republican voters will choose who will face off incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, both congressmen, and Derek Dooley, a former football coach at the University of Tennessee, are three of the main contenders. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Grayson Perry’s life story to be told in ‘outrageous’ musical 19. May 2026 (14:22) Grayson the Musical will explore ‘identity, creativity and self-acceptance … with life coaching from a six-foot teddy bear named Alan’Grayson Perry’s life story is to be told in an “outrageous” new stage musical co-created with the composer of Jerry Springer: The Opera.Grayson the Musical is a portrait of the artist from his childhood in Chelmsford to his international fame as a Turner prize-winning ceramicist, tapestry-maker and frock-lover. As well as fabulous dresses, the show will include a supporting role for Alan Measles, the beloved teddy bear who has featured in Perry’s work. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Old Spanish Hen? Estrella owner buys Greene King ale brand 19. May 2026 (14:13) Pub owner’s sale to Barcelona-based brewer Damm is latest takeover of a British beer by an overseas buyerBusiness live – latest updatesPub chain Greene King has agreed to sell its Old Speckled Hen ale brands to the Spanish owner of Estrella lager, making it the latest in a series of British beers to be snapped up by overseas buyers.Barcelona-based brewer Damm has agreed to buy all the Old Speckled Hen lines, including its non-alcoholic and golden ale versions. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
New report reveals sharp rise in online sale of primates on social media in US 19. May 2026 (12:00) Researchers found over 1,600 primates listed for sale on Facebook, TikTok and more over a six-week period in 2025A new report from leading wildlife and conservation organizations has revealed a sharp rise in the online sale of primates across major social media platforms in the US, raising concerns about wildlife trafficking, public safety and animal welfare.The report, titled Primates for Purchase: The Surge in Sales on Social Media in the US, was released Tuesday by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
