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Child sexual abuse victims in England and Wales to get help to remove online images
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Bandits in north-west Nigeria abduct villagers they invited to discuss peace talks
Thirty-nine people taken near Magamin Diddi village in Maradun municipality, north-west Zamfara state, police say Armed bandits in north-west Nigeria abducted dozens of villagers whom they invited to a meeting about potential peace negotiations, authorities and residents said on Monday, highlighting the region’s worsening security. According to local police, 39 people were seized on Sunday during a meeting in the forest near Magamin Diddi village in the Maradun municipality of north-west Zamfara state. But some residents and officials believe the number of those abducted could be as high as 50. Continue reading...
OpenAI confidentially files for initial public offering on US stock market
ChatGPT maker expected to be valued at more than $850bn OpenAI has filed confidentially to go public on the US stock market, according to a company blog post published Monday. The ChatGPT maker is expected to be valued at more than $850bn. “We recently submitted a confidential S-1. We expect it to leak so we’re just announcing it. We have not decided on timing yet; it may be a while because there are things we want to do that are likely easier as a private company. But it’s a complicated set of tradeoffs and this gives us the option to go public sooner if that ends up being best,” the company’s post reads. An S-1 is an investor prospectus submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in advance of an initial public offering (IPO). Continue reading...
‘Luckily I play with my feet’: Spence talks up World Cup hopes despite broken jaw
England defender getting used to protective brace and hopeful of contributing to Tuchel’s tournament effort In the disorientation of the moment, as Djed Spence lay on the turf, the pain radiating from the left side of his jaw, it was tempting to wonder what flashed through his mind. The Tottenham full-back had been cleaned out by the elbow of Chelsea’s Liam Delap in the closing stages of the penultimate game of the Premier League season. Spence had eyes only for the high ball while Delap looked directly at his opponent before spinning and throwing out his left arm. For starters, there had to be surprise that Delap was not sent off. “Yeah, it was a crazy challenge,” Spence says. What about his involvement in Spurs’ final match of their relegation battle at home against Everton? And beyond that, the World Cup? Did he fear it might be all over for him? Continue reading...
Badenoch to vow to scrap public sector equality duty in effort to fend off Reform
In speech on Tuesday, Tory leader will claim obligation to consider equality being used to advance ‘divisive agendas’ Kemi Badenoch will vow to scrap the duty on public bodies to consider how they can promote equality as she seeks to head off the challenge from Reform UK by presenting her party as responsible but also in tune with populist anger. Badenoch, who was Conservative minister for equalities between 2020 and 2022, will commit to scrapping the public sector equality duty (PSED), a legal requirement obliging those bodies to think how they can improve society and promote equality in their day-to-day business. Continue reading...
Brexit: A Very British Civil War review – TV has no right to be this much of a hoot
Yes, it’s a documentary on a sobering topic. But when you’ve got an endless stream of blockbuster names spouting irresistible gossip – plus Nigel Farage being a total panto dame – you can’t help but have a ball Let’s get one thing straight immediately: no documentary about Brexit should be this much of a hoot. The dread many felt when the referendum result came in – a fear that reactionary populism was on the rise and Britain was entering an era of managed decline – has only bloomed like mould in the intervening decade. Brexit was the source of much inadvertent comedy, of course, but to see it treated so irreverently en masse does leave a bit of a bad taste. Laughing at a YouTube compilation of politicians accidentally saying breakfast instead of Brexit? Fine. Chortling along with Nigel Farage as he reminisces about tensions between Dominic Cummings and Arron Banks? Tittering as Boris Johnson blathers about losing a tennis match to David Cameron during which the prime minister tried to secure his support for remain? No thanks. Still, there is something extremely difficult to resist about Brexit: A Very British Civil War, a talking head-heavy chronicle of the period between the 2015 general election and the referendum itself. Rather than get bogged down in po-faced sincerity or hand-wringing about integrity (like the remain campaign!), it deals almost exclusively in attention-grabbing bombast (like the leave campaigns!). From the off we’re blasted with Brexit-flavoured juice. Vote Leave bosses “didn’t really want to win”, says Farage. Johnson’s position had “nothing to do with the EU,” says George Osborne. “It was Game of Thrones.” Johnson denies this, stifling a smile. “Everybody says I did this in order to be PM. I would have become prime minister anyway.” Continue reading...
Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men review – boys are crying out for help like this
The former England manager is heartfelt as he spends time with schoolboys in need of a male mentor. But the limitations on what he can change are deeply frustrating Early on in his documentary, Changing the Game for Young Men, in that relaxed introductory section where the famous host is at home, fondling mementoes and chatting about their life, Gareth Southgate reveals he was unsure what to do next when he stopped being England football manager. Many of his admirers wish he would enter politics: they dream of him being a witty, kind presence in Westminster, a compassionate antidote to liars and clowns. Southgate has so far demurred, and here we glimpse what he may do instead. Changing the Game, an assessment of how Britain is failing a generation of demotivated young males, is politics with a politely lower-case “p”. Every problem it identifies is the result of a big political choice, which Southgate ignores before offering a small-scale solution. It’s certainly well-meant, but its limitations are frustrating. Continue reading...
Israel and Iran step back from renewed conflict after Trump calls for halt
Netanyahu acknowledges pause in fighting in TV speech but vows forceful response to future attacks Middle East crisis – live updates Fears of a return to a full-scale regional war in the Middle East eased on Monday as Israel and Iran said they had halted attacks on each other after an appeal from Donald Trump to “immediately stop shooting”. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, acknowledged the halt in fighting with Iran in a televised speech, but vowed to respond “with force” to future attacks. Continue reading...
Apple debuts revamped ‘Siri AI’ and new child safety features for iPhones and iPads
At his final WWDC keynote, Tim Cook highlights AI-forward upgrade to the voice assistant to be widely released in fall After years of anticipation, user frustration and false starts, Apple announced a major upgrade to Siri at its annual developer conference on Monday. The voice assistant will come integrated with Apple’s artificial intelligence tool, Apple Intelligence, and has been rechristened “Siri AI”. The new Siri, which will be widely released in the fall, will more closely resemble AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, than a question-and-answer tool that draws from the web. Continue reading...
Zelenskyy: Russia is losing the initiative – video interview
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, says Vladimir Putin’s days are numbered. As the Russian president’s influence wanes and his war machine crumbles, Zelenskyy says it is important for Europe and the world to stick together. In an interview with the Guardian after talks with Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz in London to discuss the next steps in the conflict, he said Ukraine’s military position was the strongest it had been for more than two years. ‘Russia is not winning,’ he declared. Continue reading...
Trump nominates Todd Blanche to serve permanently as attorney general
Former Trump lawyer, acting in the role since April, faces Senate confirmation after controversial DoJ moves Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Donald Trump has nominated Todd Blanche to serve permanently as attorney general, lining up his former personal lawyer to be the country’s top law enforcement officer. The US president suggested earlier this week that Blanche, who was appointed on an acting basis in April after the president fired Pam Bondi, was set to receive the nod. “He’s a very talented guy,” Trump told a podcast. Continue reading...
Fifa vice-president Victor Montagliani: ‘MLS can become the second-biggest league in the world. Maybe the biggest’
The Canadian has been tipped as Gianni Infantino’s successor. He defends World Cup ticket prices and explains why the Premier League may soon have a rival Victor Montagliani believes the World Cup will trigger a “cultural revolution” in North America that could result in Major League Soccer rivaling the Premier League at the top of club football. In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, the president of Concacaf, who is also Fifa vice president: Defended the tournament’s controversial pricing strategy on the grounds that a World Cup in North America will be the peak of Fifa’s earning power that funds global football. Claimed Donald Trump will have “no part to play” at the tournament and that Fifa is “more than one guy.” Insisted it is too early to begin discussing expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, something which has been requested by South American confederation Conmebol. Expressed support for increasing the Club World Cup to 48 teams to raise standards and drive revenue growth. Left the door open to running for the Fifa presidency in 2031, after Gianni Infantino completes a final term following his expected reelection next year. Continue reading...
That’s life! Musical about Frank Sinatra’s explosive rise opens in London – in pictures
A new West End blockbuster puts Ol’ Blue Eyes in the spotlight and features the superstar’s hits including One for My Baby and Come Fly With Me. Take a first look Photographs by Tristram Kenton/The Guardian Continue reading...
‘We’re going to be in an unreal, mad World Cup time zone’: Kelly Cates on presenting in Salford at 2am
BBC TV and radio host on sportswashing, the brilliance of watching Argentina up close and why Donald Trump won’t be able to hijack the football glory “Before every tournament there are always concerns,” Kelly Cates says as she approaches her fifth World Cup as a television and radio presenter. “There’s always something everybody’s worried about. This time I worry about the humidity and the altitude for the players and there are political concerns, obviously. “But there are also concerns that it’s not going to feel like a World Cup. In the US, they probably see that as a good thing. They probably see it as: ‘We’re going to make it better.’ Whereas we’re looking at it from a more traditional point of view, thinking: ‘Why are you going to change something that’s so amazing in the first place?’” Continue reading...
Zelenskyy hopes Reform UK councils will allow Ukraine flags to be flown again
Exclusive: Ukrainian president says ‘small mistake can break a big friendship’ in wide-ranging interview with Guardian Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the decision by some Reform UK councils to take down the Ukrainian flag was the kind of “small mistake that can break a big friendship”, as he underlined the significance of strong bilateral relations. The Ukrainian president tempered his rare foray into UK domestic politics by stressing how much the two countries “need each other” in the battle against Russia, which he said posed a threat not only to Ukraine but to Britain too. Continue reading...
Scores of firefighters tackle major blaze at south London recycling centre
Fire in Bermondsey sends huge plumes rising high over the city and disrupts train travel in the area Fifteen fire engines and about 100 firefighters have been called to tackle a major fire at a recycling centre in south London. Fire control officers were first called just after 5.30pm on Monday to the centre on Landmann Way in Bermondsey. Continue reading...
Australia cruise to win over England in Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up
Eng 157-6; Aus 158-5. Aus win by five wkts England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt fails on return Ellyse Perry’s half-century guided Australia to a comfortable five-wicket win against England in their T20 World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff. Perry was superbly caught by Dani Gibson at deep midwicket off Lauren Bell for a match-winning 64 with two runs needed as Australia cruised to their target of 158 with 10 balls to spare at Sophia Gardens. After losing the toss and being put into bat, England were restricted to 157 for six, having recovered from 19 for three, and were then punished in the field for three dropped catches of varying difficulty. Opener Beth Mooney’s 26-ball 43, which included two sixes, ensured Australia stayed ahead of the run-rate, while Perry struck nine fours and faced 44 deliveries. Mooney was dropped by Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Gibson and Perry was given a let off when Bell spilled her one-handed attempt. Continue reading...
‘Overconsumption isolates us’: how to start shopping less
Spending can be exciting – but how do you function outside of it? Experts share their tips for paring down buying For years, I have been caught in a tiresome, expensive cycle: when I’m bored (or sad, or insecure) I scroll through my phone, looking for stuff to buy. In those moments, it feels like the right purchase will relieve me of ennui or unpleasantness. These shoes will make my life more glamorous! This face wash will make me feel forever beautiful! Sometimes this rush lasts up to two days after I receive my item. But the excitement fades – sometimes as soon as I click “confirm purchase” – and I inevitably think: “Why did I do that?” Continue reading...
Complex relationship between Trump and Netanyahu continues to undermine Middle East ceasefire
Recent exchange of missiles between Iran and Israel highlights diverging views between US president and Israeli PM The latest eruption of hostilities between Iran and Israel appears to have been contained for now after Donald Trump insisted he called “all the shots” in the Middle East, but in a dangerously fragile region Benjamin Netanyahu has again shown he is ready to take shots of his own. The exchange of missiles on Sunday and Monday was ample demonstration of the inherent instability of the current limbo between war and peace, but it also shone a bright light on the complex and conflicted relationship between the US president and the Israeli prime minister, frenemies who could determine the fate of the current ceasefire. Continue reading...
Top African referee Omar Artan refused access to US before World Cup
Was going to be first Somalian to officiate at a World Cup ‘He deserves the support of the football community’ A Somali referee, who was set to become the first person from his country to officiate at a World Cup, has been denied access to the United States, according to reports. Omar Artan is alleged to have been refused entry to the US at Miami International airport this past weekend, despite having a valid travel visa. Continue reading...
Scotland in World Cup war of words with Norway over cancelled training match
Scotland branded ‘unprofessional, weak’ John McGinn: ‘Our job is to look after Scotland’ Scotland’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence has been immediately overshadowed by a war of words with Norway. Steve Clarke and Scotland were branded “unprofessional”, “embarrassing” and “weak” by the Norwegians after the cancellation of a training game planned for Monday in Charlotte. After the Scottish FA expressed “surprise” at the Norwegian stance, the Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn told the aggrieved parties to read up on Scotland’s injury situation. With the Scots and Norway both based in North Carolina, a game was scheduled to afford minutes to players requiring them. Scotland postponed the match on Saturday, with the injury sustained by Billy Gilmour during the recent friendly against Curaçao – which put him out of the World Cup – apparently uppermost in Clarke’s thoughts. Continue reading...
Israel and Iran trade strikes: what does this mean for peace deal? - The Latest
The Iranian regime has announced the end of attacks against Israel, while the US president has claimed both sides ‘want a ceasefire’. This comes after Iran and Israel attacked each other’s territory for the first time since a fragile ceasefire took effect in April. The Israeli strikes are in apparent defiance of Donald Trump, who told Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, not to retaliate against Iran, in order to avoid derailing peace talks. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger Continue reading...
‘Wasn’t even good’: US tourist says she was charged €44 for two ice creams in Rome
Post on Facebook received more than 900 comments, with one Italian writing that they were ‘ashamed’ A US tourist has warned visitors to Rome after paying €44 (£38) for two ice-creams in the Italian capital. Nicole Ann, from Florida, advised fellow tourists to “avoid Don Nino”, an ice-cream parlour on a street off Piazza Navona. She claimed she had ordered two small cups of ice-cream but instead was charged for two large cones topped with trimmings that were allegedly not requested, including macarons, cannoli and panna (whipped cream). Continue reading...