Larry Ellison discussed axing CNN hosts with White House in takeover bid talks 20. November 2025 (12:00) Senior officials indicated favorability toward Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros DiscoverySenior White House officials have discussed internally their preference for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros Discovery in recent weeks, and one official has discussed potential programming changes at CNN with Larry Ellison, the largest shareholder of Paramount.The discussions, according to people familiar with the matter, comes as Paramount portrays itself as the best bid for Warner Bros Discovery, after it announced last month it was open to offers, because it would have an easier time getting through regulatory review. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Male and female former employees of Smokey Robinson accuse him of sexual assault 20. November 2025 (11:52) Motown star denies allegations, in addition to four existing sets of allegations against himTwo more former employees of the soul music star Smokey Robinson, both male and female, have alleged he sexually assaulted them, which he denies.Robinson is already facing similar allegations from four other former employees, who filed a joint lawsuit in May. This week, lawyers for the accusers filed a motion to have two further accusers added to the lawsuit, both anonymously. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mahmood says she is considering ‘big’ increase in amount paid to refused asylum seekers to get them to leave – UK politics live 20. November 2025 (11:36) Home secretary says scheme could increase the £3,000 cap currently in place that is given to those who agree to leave voluntarily Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has said that she is considering a “big” increase in the amount the government pays to people refused asylum to encourage them to leave the country voluntarily.The Home Office already gives people relatively small sums in these circumstances, as it did with Hadush Kebatu, the Epping sex offender recently returned to Ethiopia. He got £500 to help persuade him not to legally challenge his removal.I’ve already asked my officials to pilot a small programme where we offer more than what we currently do for a period just to see how that changes behaviour.I haven’t alighted on the full sums involved yet, but I am willing to consider a big increase on what we currently pay. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Jailhouse shock: Brazil coup monger Bolsonaro finally faces life behind bars 20. November 2025 (11:30) The former president’s far-right supporters have discovered a new interest in prison conditions as incarceration loomsHe fought the law and the law won.Two months after receiving a 27-year sentence for trying to “annihilate” Brazil’s democratic institutions, former president Jair Bolsonaro finally looks jail-bound. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ukraine’s PM hosts US army secretary after American and Russian officials draft plan to end war – Europe live 20. November 2025 (11:18) The draft plan, reportedly developed by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev, would force draconian measures on UkraineUkrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko has met with US army secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, saying the pair had a chance “to assess the situation on the ground and to witness first-hand the consequences of Russian aggression.”“While Russia continues killing innocent civilians, destroying homes, and targeting critical infrastructure, the strategy of pressure on Russia is proving effective. It is crucial to further strengthen energy and financial sanctions against the aggressor state,” she said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
