-
Just 20 of 6,600 Defra staff working on climate adaptation amid drought and wildfires
A freedom of information request has found that only 20 of Defra’s 6,613 staff are working on climate adaptation, despite warnings that England is poorly prepared for worsening heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires. Critics say the small team reflects a lack of government focus on protecting communities, food security and nature from the effects of…
-
Andy Burnham’s dithering over early release of prisoners ‘prolonging the torture’ of victims and their families
The article reports criticism of Andy Burnham over an apparent delay in decisions about the early release of prisoners. Victims and their families are said to believe the uncertainty is extending their distress, describing it as a continuation of their ordeal. The headline does not specify which prisoners may be released, the timing of any…
-
Great Britain faces electricity supply shortfall during solar eclipse
Great Britain’s grid operator has warned of an anticipated electricity supply shortfall on Wednesday evening as a near-total solar eclipse sharply reduces solar generation while hot weather raises demand for cooling. The National Energy System Operator said the notice was precautionary and that customers’ electricity supplies were not at risk, but it may need to…
-
Ex-New Jersey mayor, her husband charged for using fake ballot signatures after she pleaded guilty to DUI
Former Lumberton Township mayor Gina LaPlaca and her husband have been charged after prosecutors alleged that false signatures were used on her nominating petition for a Democratic primary contest. The case matters because it concerns the integrity of the election process and adds to the legal troubles of a local official who remains on the…
-
‘New’ Smiths Single To Be Released In Rough Trade Box Set
Rough Trade Records will release a box set featuring a previously unissued Smiths single on the label, despite the song itself having been released elsewhere before. The inclusion is notable because it gives ‘The Headmaster Ritual’ its first official Rough Trade single release, with new artwork overseen by Morrissey. Due on 30 October, the set…
-
Feel so busy you don’t even realize you’re busy? Try doing a time audit
The exercise can help you identify what’s wasting your time — and make room for what matters, says psychotherapist Niro Feliciano. Take a moment to try it. You might be surprised with what you find.
-
A Candidate Named ‘Count Binface’ Is the Most Normal Part of This Pivotal UK Election
Count Binface, a satirical candidate portrayed by comedian Jon Harvey, is standing in the Clacton-on-Sea by-election against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage amid an unusually crowded and theatrical contest. The election has drawn attention because Farage resigned following allegations over undeclared financial support, which he denies, and because the main Labour and Conservative parties declined…
-
Governments can take your stocks without your permission. It happens all the time
US states have been quietly tightening unclaimed-property laws in ways that make it far easier to declare stocks and other securities “abandoned” and seize them, even when the owner is alive, reachable and still receiving dividends. Where most states once waited seven years before treating shares as abandoned, more than half now use just three…
-
Are hacks of U.S. water facilities a new front in the Iran war?
A recent series of cyberattacks on U.S. water systems has exposed vulnerabilities across critical infrastructure during the Iran war.