This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss Spencer Pratt, bricking phones, and the FTC. JASON: I have watched mostly in horror as Spencer Pratt has taken over the internet ...
Month: May 2026
Ebola risk raised to ‘very high’ in DR CongoEbola risk raised to ‘very high’ in DR Congo
The head of the UN health agency says the risk in the wider region is “high”, but it remains “low” at the global level. ...
Attorney General to review teen boys’ rape sentencesAttorney General to review teen boys’ rape sentences
The three teenagers were not given custodial sentences for their roles in the rape of two girls. ...
UK sees hottest day of year as bank holiday travellers face queuesUK sees hottest day of year as bank holiday travellers face queues
Temperatures hit 28.4C in parts of England on Friday, while delays have been reported at the Port of Dover and Birmingham Airport ahead of the bank holiday weekend. ...
Flotilla video: Ben-Gvir’s template of televised abuse was honed on PalestiniansFlotilla video: Ben-Gvir’s template of televised abuse was honed on Palestinians
Targeting of foreign activists drew global outrage from governments that have not acted on violence against Palestinian detainees Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has made abuse of detained Palestinians something of a macabre calling card, celebrating cruelty publicly and often on video. During his time in office, violence ...
Meta and Snapchat blocking Saudi dissidents’ accountsMeta and Snapchat blocking Saudi dissidents’ accounts
US social media firms acting on orders from Middle East kingdom accused of being ‘instruments of repression’ Major US social media companies including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms have blocked the accounts of Saudi Arabian dissidents so they are no longer visible inside the kingdom, following orders by Saudi authorities. ...
Rubio tries to reassure Nato allies over US troop deploymentsRubio tries to reassure Nato allies over US troop deployments
President Donald Trump says he wants to send more troops to Poland, a week after his officials cancelled a similar deployment. ...
Foden, Palmer, Alexander-Arnold to miss World CupFoden, Palmer, Alexander-Arnold to miss World Cup
Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have not been included in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad for this summer’s World Cup. ...
Teen boys’ rape sentences to be reviewed by governmentTeen boys’ rape sentences to be reviewed by government
The three teenagers avoided custodial sentences for their roles in the rape of two girls. ...
UK scientists developing Ebola vaccine that could be ready for trials in monthsUK scientists developing Ebola vaccine that could be ready for trials in months
The rare species of Ebola involved – known as Bundibugyo – kills around a third of those infected and has no proven vaccine yet. ...