Acting social security head who denied access to Musk team leaves agency

Michelle King opts to retire after 30 years rather than grant request by ‘department of government efficiency’

The acting head of the Social Security Administration (SSA) left the agency after …

Source: The Guardian

Ministers set to dump ‘prison works’ mantra in England and Wales

Damning report by former Tory justice secretary will give Starmer political cover to embark on overhaul of penal policy

Source: Financial Times

NYC mayor could be removed from office. And, concerns over peace talks for Ukraine

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signaled she may use her authority to remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office. And, high-stakes negotiations to end the war in Ukraine …

Source: NPR

AK-47 attack on Brazil mayor was set-up to boost election campaign, police say

José Aprígio da Silva was seriously hurt in October by assailants with assault rifles but police say it was faked

As campaign strategies go it was unorthodox and illegal: buy …

Source: The Guardian

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio presser in Riyadh

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses reporters following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other senior officials in Saudi Arabia.

Source: France 24

FirstFT: US and Russia hold first high-level talks on Ukraine war

Also in today’s newsletter, Philippines ‘deeply disturbed’ by South China Sea incident, and Singapore’s PM promises cash handouts

Source: Financial Times

Andrew Tate’s alleged victims urge US to stay out of Romanian criminal proceedings

Four alleged victims of sexual violence by self-styled ‘misogynist influencer’ react after reports US envoy asked for travel restrictions on Tate to be lifted

Four alleged victims of sexual violence …

Source: The Guardian

‘Serious concerns’ as new video emerges of Australian captured by Russia

The previously unseen footage of POW Oscar Jenkins shows him appearing emaciated, weak and complaining of a broken arm.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump's climate change denial: An era of 'ignorance'

President Donald Trump’s denial of climate change has become more insidious, powerful and far-reaching in his second mandate as he had acquired experience during his first term in office, said …

Source: France 24

Musk and markets: why Doge is not cutting through

Also in today’s newsletter, JD Vance gives investors something other than tariffs to chew on for a change

Source: Financial Times

Passengers talk about escape from plane after it crashed while landing in Toronto

Eighty people were on board a Delta plane when it crashed while landing in Toronto on Monday. Flight attendants and crew members rushed to help the passengers, all who were …

Source: CBS News

Rick Buckler, drummer of The Jam, dies aged 69 after short illness

The musician, along with band members Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton, had many hits in the 1970s and 1980s, including four UK No 1s

Rick Buckler, the drummer of the …

Source: The Guardian