Four big themes as IMF takes aim at UK growth and inflation

In Portland, protesters have taken to the streets in frog costumes and even cycled naked to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump's recent threats to deploy the National Guard, labeling the city a 'war zone.' This unusual form of protest highlights the growing tensions between local communities and federal authorities, emphasizing the public's concern over the militarization of policing and the impact on civil liberties.

In Portland, protesters have taken to the streets in frog costumes and even cycled naked to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump's recent threats to deploy the National Guard, labeling the city a 'war zone.' This unusual form of protest highlights the growing tensions between local communities and federal authorities, emphasizing the public's concern over the militarization of policing and the impact on civil liberties.

As Israel organizes funerals for the hostages whose bodies were returned, the Rafah crossing has reopened to facilitate aid into Gaza. This development comes after two years of intense conflict, during which Gaza has struggled to rebuild. The situation is further complicated as US President Donald Trump has indicated that negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire are underway. This news is significant as it highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the efforts to restore normalcy in the region.

As Israel organizes funerals for the hostages whose bodies were returned, the Rafah crossing has reopened to facilitate aid into Gaza. This development comes after two years of intense conflict, during which Gaza has struggled to rebuild. The situation is further complicated as US President Donald Trump has indicated that negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire are underway. This news is significant as it highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the efforts to restore normalcy in the region.

A coalition of prominent artists, including Michael Moore and Ava DuVernay, is organizing nationwide protests against Donald Trump and what they describe as authoritarian forces. This movement aims to unite voices in defiance of policies they believe threaten democracy and artistic freedom. The significance of these protests lies in their potential to galvanize public sentiment and inspire collective action, highlighting the role of art and culture in political discourse.

A coalition of prominent artists, including Michael Moore and Ava DuVernay, is organizing nationwide protests against Donald Trump and what they describe as authoritarian forces. This movement aims to unite voices in defiance of policies they believe threaten democracy and artistic freedom. The significance of these protests lies in their potential to galvanize public sentiment and inspire collective action, highlighting the role of art and culture in political discourse.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is urging UK ministers to quickly implement guidance on transgender rights following a significant Supreme Court ruling. This call to action highlights the importance of ensuring that institutions respond appropriately to the ruling, which affects single-sex public spaces. By advocating for swift action, the EHRC aims to protect the rights of transgender individuals and promote equality in the UK, making this a crucial moment for both policymakers and the community.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is urging UK ministers to quickly implement guidance on transgender rights following a significant Supreme Court ruling. This call to action highlights the importance of ensuring that institutions respond appropriately to the ruling, which affects single-sex public spaces. By advocating for swift action, the EHRC aims to protect the rights of transgender individuals and promote equality in the UK, making this a crucial moment for both policymakers and the community.

A man from England has been arrested in Quebec City by local police at the request of British authorities regarding the disappearance of a U.K. teenager. This development is significant as it highlights international cooperation in addressing serious cases like missing persons, ensuring that justice can be pursued across borders.

A man from England has been arrested in Quebec City by local police at the request of British authorities regarding the disappearance of a U.K. teenager. This development is significant as it highlights international cooperation in addressing serious cases like missing persons, ensuring that justice can be pursued across borders.

Many academics are leaving the United States due to budget cuts and concerns over intellectual freedom under Donald Trump's administration. This trend, often referred to as a brain drain, is prompting Canadian cities to actively recruit these talented individuals, offering them a welcoming environment and opportunities for research. This shift not only highlights the challenges faced by researchers in the U.S. but also underscores Canada's commitment to fostering a diverse and innovative academic community.

Many academics are leaving the United States due to budget cuts and concerns over intellectual freedom under Donald Trump's administration. This trend, often referred to as a brain drain, is prompting Canadian cities to actively recruit these talented individuals, offering them a welcoming environment and opportunities for research. This shift not only highlights the challenges faced by researchers in the U.S. but also underscores Canada's commitment to fostering a diverse and innovative academic community.

NATO has ramped up its military presence near the Russian border, deploying around 60,000 troops for this year's exercises. This significant buildup has raised tensions in the region, as Moscow views it as a direct threat. The situation is crucial as it reflects the ongoing geopolitical struggles and the potential for conflict, making it a key point of concern for international relations.

The Women's Cricket World Cup match between England and Pakistan resumed after a rain delay, now reduced to 31 overs per side. This adjustment highlights the challenges of weather in sports, but the game continues to draw attention as teams compete for a crucial win. Fans are eager to see how the players adapt to the conditions and what strategies will unfold in this important tournament.

Robert Bush, a former funeral director, has admitted to 36 charges of fraud but denied 30 counts related to preventing lawful burials. This case highlights serious ethical concerns in the funeral industry, raising questions about the integrity of services that families rely on during their most vulnerable times.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss redefining the relationship between Syria and Russia. This meeting marks the first since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, a key ally of Moscow. Al-Sharaa is expected to advocate for the extradition of Assad, who has sought refuge in Russia, and to address the future of Russia's military bases in Syria. This development is significant as it could reshape the geopolitical landscape in the region and influence the ongoing dynamics of power and alliances.

Star Wars fans are in for a surprise as archival sources reveal that the iconic Jedi master Yoda was originally intended to be blue or even purple. This intriguing revelation comes from a review of screenplays, novels, and comics, along with insights from a special effects makeup artist who contributed to the first Yoda puppet. This discovery not only adds depth to Yoda's character but also highlights the creative decisions that shaped one of cinema's most beloved franchises, reminding us of the ever-evolving nature of storytelling in film.

Nicola Jennings critiques Trump's Gaza plan in her latest cartoon, highlighting its shortcomings and the potential consequences for the region. This commentary is significant as it sheds light on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of finding a viable solution, especially in light of ongoing tensions.