What’s in US debt ceiling deal and who won?
Getty Images The two parties finally reached a deal after weeks of trying Congress has approved a deal to raise the government’s borrowing limit and prevent a potentially catastrophic default on US debt repayments. The agreement passed the Senate on Thursday, a day after it passed the House of Representatives. Once signed into law by […]
Mo Farah says abuse towards black athletes is getting worse
Sir Mo Farah has said he has faced some “shocking” racism comments online, and says technology companies need to do more to tackle abuse on social media. He was speaking in his home after England footballers Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted after they missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final. Sir […]
‘It is a worrying time to be running a zoo’
Chester Zoo Zoo keepers cannot work from home during the coronavirus lock down Keepers have been isolating near animals in zoos as attractions have had to bring in measures to care for their creatures amid the coronavirus crisis. While many workplaces have reduced business, animals still need the same level of care despite zoos, aquariums […]
Greener flights will cost more, says industry
Getty Images The cost of decarbonising air travel is likely to push up ticket prices and put some off flying, a group representing the UK aviation industry says. Measures such as moving to higher-cost sustainable aviation fuel will “inevitably reduce passenger demand”, according to Sustainable Aviation. But it found people will “still want to fly” […]
US gives $20bn to Kyiv funded by seized Russian assets
The US has given $20bn (£15bn) to Ukraine, funded by the profits of seized Russian assets. The economic support forms a significant part of a $50bn (£39bn) package agreed by G7 member nations announced in June. Funding the aid through frozen assets means Russia has to “bear the costs of its illegal war, instead of […]
Germany’s one million Syrians at centre of fierce political debate over future
Reuters Syrian refugees in Germany have celebrated the downfall of Bashar al-Assad Across Germany Syrians have been celebrating in the streets the downfall of former president Bashar al-Assad. But now many will be feeling less euphoric, as some politicians question their future in Germany. There are around a million people with a Syrian passport in […]
France to ban culling of unwanted male chicks by end of 2021
AFP An estimated seven billion unwanted male chicks are killed each year France has pledged to outlaw the practice of culling unwanted male chicks by the end of 2021, as part of animal welfare reforms. About seven billion male chicks – not wanted for meat or eggs – are killed around the world each year, […]
MPs travel to US on fake news mission
Getty Images Members of the UK’s Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee are in Washington to grill Facebook, Google and Twitter about fake news on their platforms. The hearing will question senior executives about possible Russian meddling in the British elections. Prime Minister Theresa May has accused Russia of “weaponising information”. Several of the executives […]
Restrict toilet access on flights, new rules suggest
Getty Images Data on how the coronavirus can spread between aircraft passengers is in short supply Air passengers should have restricted access to toilets on flights as part of wide-ranging coronavirus safety recommendations, a UN agency has said. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines also include limiting or suspending food and drink services on […]
The ‘poetry of concrete’ and the tragedy of a broken bridge
Getty Images It’s one year since part of a motorway bridge outside Genoa collapsed, as cars and lorries sped across it. Dozens fell off the edge, tumbling 45m to the ground below, resulting in 43 deaths. Here, seven of those closely affected tell their stories. On 13 August 2018, Emmanuel Diaz and his brother Henry […]