The Latest Push to Extend Key US Spy Powers Is Still a Mess 24. April 2026 (17:10) A US surveillance program that lets the FBI view Americans’ communications without a warrant is up for renewal. A new bill aims to address mounting lawmaker concerns—with smoke and mirrors.(Wired)
Kezia Dugdale, incoming Stonewall chair, says sorry after backlash over JK Rowling remarks 24. April 2026 (17:08) Former Scottish Labour leader says she understands that expressing respect for author caused ‘worry, anger and upset’The incoming chair of the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall says she is “truly sorry” after she expressed “huge respect” for JK Rowling in an interview with the Guardian. Kezia Dugdale, the former leader of Scottish Labour, said she understood that her words had caused “worry, anger and upset and I am truly sorry about that”.In an interview for the Today in Focus podcast in Edinburgh to mark her appointment as Stonewall’s chair, Dugdale was asked what she thought of the way in which Rowling has talked about transgender people. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Revealed: Axel Springer skipped due diligence before £575m Telegraph takeover 24. April 2026 (17:00) Sources say German group may struggle to recoup its investment as titles shift to less profitable modelsAxel Springer did not complete due diligence on the Telegraph before sealing its £575m takeover, with sources saying the German media company could struggle to recoup its eye-watering investment as the titles shift toward less-profitable digital subscribers.To wrap up the deal quickly, Mathias Döpfner, the chief executive of Axel Springer, decided to forgo the usual extensive due diligence process to vet the value and prospects of a company, according to multiple sources. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Police across the US worry officers are being misidentified as ICE, records show 24. April 2026 (17:00) Exclusive: Emails and internal memos reveal concerns immigration enforcement is interfering with police workLaw enforcement and local government officials across the US have over the last year expressed concerns that immigration operations were interfering with police work and leading to threats to officers, according to internal emails and briefings shared with the Guardian.The development comes as the US public has become afraid and distrustful of officers in their communities due to the Trump administration’s aggressive and at times indiscriminate immigration crackdown. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Five Horror Movies to Stream Now 24. April 2026 (17:00) This month’s terrors include a monkey gone mad, a boundary-pushing robot and a playground with a thirst for babysitter blood.(New York Times)
Trump already has good reason to declare victory in the Gulf. But will it be in time to save him?