Covid revealed ‘underlying fragility of adult social care workforce’, inquiry finds – UK politics live
The Guardian •

Covid revealed ‘underlying fragility of adult social care workforce’, inquiry finds – UK politics live

Heather Hallett, chair of the Covid inquiry, has just published the report from the inquiry’s module 6, looking at what happened in care homesBadenoch says Britain needs tax cuts.We need to get out of the way of job creators who make our country richer. We need to encourage risk taking, wealth creation, enterprise.Britain’s tax burden has never been higher. You are taxed on the heating in your hom...

UK government failures led to Covid spreading ‘like wildfire’ in care homes, inquiry finds
The Guardian •

UK government failures led to Covid spreading ‘like wildfire’ in care homes, inquiry finds

Inquiry chair says failure to isolate people discharged from hospital into care was ‘significant oversight’The care sector was “an afterthought” during the Covid-19 pandemic, and government failures caused the virus to spread “like wildfire” among vulnerable and elderly people, a public inquiry has found.Heather Hallett, who is leading the Covid-19 inquiry, said it was a “significant omission” tha...

Italy to deploy 500 troops to Milan after days of protests and looting

Italy to deploy 500 troops to Milan after days of protests and looting

The Guardian •

Government planning tougher security measures after protests over high cost of living descend into violenceWhy are people protesting across Europe?Italy’s government is sending 500 soldiers to Milan as it vowed a “firm response from the state” after protests against the high cost of living descended into clashes with police, vandalism and looting, and ahead of further demonstrations planned on Sat...

Hong Kong issues amber travel alert for France as school protests turn violent

Hong Kong issues amber travel alert for France as school protests turn violent

SCMP •

Hong Kong has issued an amber outbound travel alert for France after weeks of protests over school conditions spread across the country, triggering clashes and damage in major cities. The alert – the lowest of three levels in the Security Bureau’s outbound travel alert system – advises residents travelling to France to exercise caution in response to signs of a threat to personal safety. “Due to p...

Thames Water creditors secure former Labour minister to drive rescue deal

Thames Water creditors secure former Labour minister to drive rescue deal

The Guardian •

Stricken UK water supplier lines up John Hutton as independent chair designate if takeover goes aheadThe group of Thames Water creditors pursuing a £10bn rescue deal for Britain’s largest water supplier has lined up a former senior Labour minister to chair the company, as it tries to win over the government.The creditor consortium, called London & Valley Water, said on Tuesday that Lord John H...

Horror and disbelief after lawmaker attacked in rural Australia

Horror and disbelief after lawmaker attacked in rural Australia

France 24 •

A rural Australian town felt a mix of horror and disbelief on Tuesday after a highly respected lawmaker was gravely injured in what looked to be a targeted attack. Former nurse and midwife Helen Haines entered parliament in 2019, earning respect across the political divide for her efforts to stamp out corruption and bolster transparency. The 65-year-old was struck by a two-tonne SUV in Wangaratta ...

Kenyan cult leader guilty on all charges over 191 starvation deaths

Kenyan cult leader guilty on all charges over 191 starvation deaths

France 24 •

A self-proclaimed Kenyan preacher and his associates were on Monday found guilty of murdering 190 children and one adult in an infamous starvation cult. Hundreds of bodies have been discovered since 2023 at the cult base inland from the Kenyan beach resort of Malindi, in what became known as the "Shakahola Forest Massacre".

Federal efforts over alleged noncitizen voting escalate with California arrests | First Thing

Federal efforts over alleged noncitizen voting escalate with California arrests | First Thing

The Guardian •

The DoJ has charged 28 green card holders in California, accusing them of fraudulently registering to vote. Plus, is the world really ready for AI actors?Good morning. The US Department of Justice has charged 28 green card holders in California, accusing them of fraudulently registering to vote and casting illegal ballots. The arrests – 11 people are in custody – mark the latest escalation in fede...

Indonesia continues to battle wildfires, with nearly 2 million hectares burned

Indonesia continues to battle wildfires, with nearly 2 million hectares burned

France 24 •

Fires in Indonesia have burned through more than 1.9 million hectares of land, according to new data, as the country battles its worst wildfire season in a decade. The blazes have sent toxic smoke across much of Southeast Asia, forcing schools to close and fuelling a rise in respiratory illnesses. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe tells us more.

Uzbekistan's $12bn business drive gathers pace during Rubio visit

Euronews •

The package covers railways, critical minerals, finance and technology, with major US firms involved. Uzbek President Mirziyoyev outlined measures to attract investors, while business executives told Euronews that commercial activity is growing.