- Burnham explores options to prevent early release of PC Harper’s killers
- Women marry Russian soldiers to secure death payouts as war continues
- Drone explodes near Bulgarian gas pipeline border with Romania
- Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general amid political concerns
- EU condemns latest Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Yemen.
- Ukraine condemns Russian missile strikes as civilian casualties rise
- South Korea football association apologises over allegations of sexual services to referees
- Roughriders defeat winless Redblacks 42-20 in commanding performance
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When are the German Elections?
The Elections are on Sunday the 23rd of Feb 2025
Why are they having a snap election?
The German coalition government failed a no confidence vote
Do Germans vote?
Germans vote in big numbers, usually as high 70+ percent voter turnout
Burnham explores options to prevent early release of PC Harper’s killers
Get you up to speed: Burnham ‘exploring every option’ to block early release of PC Harper’s killers | News UK
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is exploring options to block the early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted of manslaughter in 2020 following the death of PC Andrew Harper in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in 2019. The Government has resisted pressure to exempt Cole and Bowers from its early release scheme, which currently allows them to be eligible for release halfway through their 13-year sentences.
The Government’s early release scheme will see 5,000 offenders let out early, although this number has decreased following a review. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential exclusions for manslaughter sentences, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham seeks guidance from the Ministry of Justice in relation to the case of Andrew Harper’s killers.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is seeking advice from the Ministry of Justice regarding the potential exclusion of manslaughter sentences from the early release scheme in light of public outcry over the eligibility of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers. Over 780,000 signatures have been collected on a petition opposing their release, reflecting widespread discontent and calls for a review of the early release policy.
What remains unclear — It is not specified whether the Government will ultimately include manslaughter sentences in exemptions from the early release scheme.
Burnham explores options to prevent early release of PC Harper’s killers
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is ‘exploring every option’ to block the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers, according to reports.
The Government has so far resisted pressure to exempt Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers from its early release scheme.
Some 5,000 criminals are due to be let out early to free up places in overcrowded jails, down from 6,000 after the exemptions announced as part of an urgent review of the controversial scheme.
But under current plans, Cole and Bowers remain eligible to be freed halfway through their 13-year sentences after they were convicted of manslaughter in 2020 following Pc Harper’s death in 2019.
A Government source told the Telegraph yesterday that Mr Burnham is prepared to ‘explore every option’ to keep Cole and Bowers in jail.
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He is now understood to be taking further advice from officials at the Ministry of Justice on the PC Harper case, The Times reports.
That is understood to include the possibility of excluding manslaughter sentences from the scheme.
Mr Burnham said earlier this week he had ‘pushed to the very limits of what is possible to do without risking the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing’ by excluding sentences for ‘rape, serious child sex offences and other grooming offences’ from eligibility.
Pc Harper was 28 when he sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019.
He died after getting caught in a strap attached to the back of a car and dragged down a country road as three teenage suspects fled the scene of the burglary.
The driver of the vehicle, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and would not be eligible for release.
Pc Harper’s family have expressed anger and disappointment at the decision not to exempt Cole and Bowers from the plans as well.
The early release changes were part of the Sentencing Act passed earlier this year that cut the minimum amount of time many offenders would have to spend in prison.
PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, said the news her husband’s killers could be released early as another gut punch.
She said: ‘The sentences Andrew’s killers received were pitiful — and the fact we are hearing these absurd reasons for early release like prisons being too full is disgraceful and disgusting.
‘The people making these decisions should be utterly ashamed of themselves.’
His mother, Debbie Adlam, said she was ‘crushed’ by the news and told ITV News the release would make emergency workers feel ‘completely unvalued’.
More than 780,000 people have signed a petition to stop the release.
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Women marry Russian soldiers to secure death payouts as war continues
Get you up to speed: Russia’s ‘black widows’ are marrying soldiers to get their death payouts | News World
In Russia, some women are marrying soldiers to secure financial benefits, with one case involving a woman who married five soldiers before their deaths to collect payouts. The Kremlin has publicly condemned this practice amid ongoing scrutiny of military-related financial incentives.
The Russian military offers a death benefit starting at 5,000,000 rubles, approximately £45,000, to support families of fallen soldiers. The Kremlin has condemned the exploitative practice of ‘black widows’, as it challenges the official narrative of the war’s progress.
The Kremlin has condemned the practice of ‘black widows’, women marrying soldiers for financial gain, amid concerns over public perception of the war in Ukraine. Experts suggest that despite high casualties, societal acceptance of war-related death payments is driving some to exploit these incentives, with individuals increasingly viewing them as opportunities for financial transformation.
What remains unclear — The extent of the government’s measures to combat the practice of families marrying soldiers solely for financial gain is not specified.
Women marry Russian soldiers to secure death payouts as war continues

When a Russian soldier is killed, his family is given a lump sum (Picture: AFP)
As the war in Ukraine rages on, in Russia, some women are marrying soldiers before they head to die – in hopes of getting a large payout.
But the practice is facing scrutiny in a country where the government has openly encouraged citizens to get married for ‘family values’.
When a Russian soldier is killed, the military offers a sum beginning at 5,000,000 rubles – or around £45,000.
The benefit – meant to support the soldier’s family – is now being weaponised by scammers, dubbed as ‘black widows’, who marry the soldiers only to secure money when they die.
One woman working at a military hospital was fired after marrying five soldiers before they died from their injuries to receive the money.
The Kremlin has even spoken out against the practice as they struggle to keep up the facade at home about the war going well in Ukraine.
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Chatham House Russia expert Keir Giles explained to WTX: ‘The financial incentives are life-changing, and so, of course, is what they call the “coffin money” if somebody doesn’t make it back.

The so-called ‘black widows’ have been slammed (Picture: AP)
‘Hence the booming industry in “Black Widows,” some of whom are on their third soldier already because they’ve made a habit of it. So it is very, very lucrative. This is something unsurprising for Russia.’
‘There seems to be greater acceptance in Russian society of sending people off to die for the Motherland than you might expect in a Western liberal democracy.
‘But people also don’t have a clear idea of the scale of the slaughter because Russia has worked very hard to conceal that information from its population.’
Dr Ian Garner, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Totalitarian Studies at the Pilecki Institute, told WTX that other factors are at play.
People see these death payments as the chance to make some money. This is the only opportunity that people may have to transform their lives.
Quote
Quote
‘People often ask why the huge death toll in the war hasn’t switched people off war entirely in Russia or hasn’t brought out huge numbers of protesters,’ he said.
‘The answer is the state provides them through war the means to become not just richer, more powerful and successful, but also to become a better patriot, a hero at the same time.
‘People see these death payments as the chance to make some money. This is the only opportunity that people may have to transform their lives.
He added: ‘The Kremlin is quite explicit in advertising its war that the war is a chance to become a hero. But becoming a hero in Russia doesn’t just mean being patriotic, being imperialistic, being a kind of Orthodox Christian crusader.
‘Being a hero can mean simply transforming the self, becoming more powerful and wealthier.’
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Drone explodes near Bulgarian gas pipeline border with Romania
Drone explodes near Bulgarian gas pipeline border with Romania
An unidentified drone exploded in Bulgaria, approximately 1,000 metres from a compressor station of the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline.
The drone incident near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline underscores heightened security concerns for NATO’s eastern flank, directly impacting energy transport routes across Southeastern and Central Europe.
“This incident highlights significant gaps in our airspace monitoring; we will enhance surveillance operations immediately,” stated Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev during a press conference.
Unidentified drone explodes in Bulgaria, close to major gas pipeline

Published on •Updated
An as yet unidentified drone exploded in Bulgaria on Saturday, close to the border with Romania, officials said.
According to Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, the drone entered Bulgarian airspace from Romania before exploding 1,000 metres from a compressor station of the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, near the former Kardam border checkpoint between the two countries.
“Noise made by the drone was detected by Romanian border police, and a loud explosion was subsequently heard by the ‘General Toshevo’ border police patrol,” he told a press conference.
He added that the “location of the drone explosion was immediately identified” and confirmed that there were no casualties or damage to buildings or infrastructure.
The prime minister said both Bulgarian and Romanian authorities had failed to pick up the drone as it made its way through their respective airspace. Increased surveillance operations will now be put in place in the region, he added.
An investigation into the incident has been launched to determine the type of drone involved.
According to opposition lawmaker Ivaylo Mirchev, Kardam is one of the key locations on the Vertical Gas Corridor, a strategic route for transporting liquefied natural gas from Greece across Southeastern and Central Europe. The corridor links Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
The incursion comes after Romanian forces shot down three drones in its airspace over the course of just three days in late July. Romanian officials have said that at least one of those drones has been determined to be of the Shahed-type used by Russian forces.
Both Romania and Bulgaria sit on NATO’s eastern flank, bordering the Black Sea, and face increased security challenges relating to Russia’s war in Ukraine, which began after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.
Romania has seen a surge in drone-related incidents and incursions into its airspace in recent months, heightening tensions in the region and prompting an outpouring of solidarity from EU officials.
In May, a Russian drone carrying explosives crashed into an apartment block in Galați, sparking a fire on the roof and injuring two people.
The following month, a Ukrainian naval drone also exploded in the Romanian port of Constanta. The Ukrainian military said it had veered off course as a result of Russian electronic warfare interference.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has labelled such incidents “a direct consequence of Russia’s war against Ukraine.”
Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general amid political concerns
Media Lens: Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general amid political concerns
Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general.
Todd Blanche has been narrowly confirmed as Trump’s attorney general in an overnight vote. The confirmation was reported in various news sources, including AP News and CNN.
What happened
Senator Bill Cassidy has endorsed Todd Blanche for the position of attorney general. Blanche was narrowly confirmed in an overnight vote.
The confirmation follows concerns raised by the GOP regarding his appointment. Blanche is set to oversee a Justice Department shaped to support the priorities of former President Trump.
Key facts
- Todd Blanche has been confirmed as attorney general.
- The confirmation vote occurred in the Senate.
- Senator Bill Cassidy publicly supported Todd Blanche for the position.
- The confirmation was a narrow victory.
- Blanche’s confirmation is notable for being aligned with former President Trump.
Where coverage differs
- AP News emphasizes Todd Blanche’s narrow confirmation as attorney general, while CNN emphasizes the role of the Justice Department in serving Trump.
- The New York Times foregrounds G.O.P. concerns during the confirmation process rather than just the confirmation itself.
- WBUR prioritizes the Senate vote outcome over the implications of Blanche’s leadership in the Justice Department.
One story, four angles
AP News – Todd Blanche narrowly confirmed as Trump’s attorney general in overnight vote
Publication: AP News | Primary framing pattern: political | Tone: neutral | Intensity: 5/10 | Sentiment: 0 | Legal precision: high
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Espresso Shot: This article discusses the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general, highlighting the close vote and the political dynamics surrounding it. It illustrates the significant role of partisan alignment, especially in a deliberative body like the Senate.
Publication emphasis: The focus is on the confirmation process and related political implications stemming from the vote.
Framing analysis: The foregrounded element is the confirmation vote itself, while secondary details involve the political context and implications of Blanche’s appointment.
Bias: Selection: Limited elaboration on dissenting opinions within the Senate. Language: Utilizes formal language to convey neutrality. Omission: Minimal commentary on the broader implications of Blanche’s policies.
Assessment: It offers a factual recounting of Blanche’s confirmation without delving into deeply analytical or partisan commentary.
CNN – Blanche confirmed as attorney general at a Justice Department shaped to serve Trump
Publication: CNN | Primary framing pattern: policy | Tone: critical | Intensity: 7/10 | Sentiment: -2 | Legal precision: medium
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Espresso Shot: CNN’s coverage scrutinizes the implications of Todd Blanche’s confirmation, framing it within the context of his contribution to a Justice Department perceived as catering to political interests of the former president. The analysis raises serious concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary.
Publication emphasis: The emphasis is on potential consequences of his role in shaping a politically aligned Justice Department.
Framing analysis: The foreground is the critique of the transactional nature of the appointment, while secondary elements include procedural details and the vote outcome.
Bias: Selection: Highlights criticism of Blanche’s appointment from various stakeholders. Language: Uses charged terms like “shaped to serve” to imply a political agenda. Omission: Lacks detailed perspectives from Blanche supporters or a defense of his qualifications.
Assessment: This piece heavily critiques the political implications of Blanche’s appointment and its potential effects on judicial independence.
The New York Times – Blanche Is Confirmed as Attorney General After Overcoming G.O.P. Concerns
Publication: The New York Times | Primary framing pattern: moral | Tone: analytical | Intensity: 6/10 | Sentiment: -1 | Legal precision: high
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Espresso Shot: This article evaluates Todd Blanche’s confirmation by focusing on the moral and ethical considerations raised during the deliberation process. It highlights GOP concerns and eyebrows raised regarding Blanche’s capacity to separate political from legal judgments.
Publication emphasis: The emphasis lies on the ethical implications of Blanche’s confirmation amidst prevailing partisan concerns.
Framing analysis: The moral implications of Blanche’s qualifications and the Senate’s decision-making process are foregrounded, while political logistics are secondary.
Bias: Selection: Details the apprehensions of GOP members regarding the confirmation process. Language: Employs analytical phrasing that challenges the integrity of the decision. Omission: Minimal focus on positive aspects or qualifications of Blanche presented during the approval process.
Assessment: This coverage provides a critical examination of the moral dilemmas surrounding Blanche’s confirmation.
WBUR – Senate votes to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general
Publication: WBUR | Primary framing pattern: legal | Tone: straightforward | Intensity: 5/10 | Sentiment: 0 | Legal precision: high
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Espresso Shot: This article reports on Todd Blanche’s confirmation in a direct and factual manner, focusing on the legislative process and procedure that led to the voting outcome.
Publication emphasis: It provides a clear account of the confirmation process, emphasizing procedural elements.
Framing analysis: The legal aspects of the Senate’s process are foregrounded, while the implications of the decision are explored only in passing.
Bias: Selection: Chooses to focus primarily on procedural details without delving deeply into the implications. Language: Utilizes neutral, legalistic language that avoids emotion. Omission: Lacks a broader analysis of public opinion or political ramifications.
Assessment: It offers a factual overview of the confirmation process, favoring accuracy and clarity over analytic depth.
Food for thought
AP News presents Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general with a focus on procedural integrity, highlighting the narrow margin of support amidst GOP concerns—a strong legal framing that emphasizes the necessity of due process. Conversely, CNN adopts a more escalatory tone, framing the confirmation as a pivotal moment for a Justice Department intended to serve Trump, suggesting potential ramifications for political norms and legal ethics. While AP anchors itself in the judicial structure, CNN injects a sense of urgency and foreboding into the narrative. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
EU condemns latest Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Yemen.
EU condemns latest Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Yemen.
In a decisive move following increased military tensions, the European Union has implemented new sanctions targeting Russia in response to recent strikes on Ukraine. The package, approved by EU foreign ministers, involves extensive measures aimed at crippling Moscow’s energy and financial sectors, reflecting the bloc’s unified stance against aggression. The sanctions will come into effect immediately, indicating the EU’s commitment to bolster Ukraine’s resistance against ongoing hostilities.
Economically, the sanctions are anticipated to further strain the already wavering European energy markets, potentially driving up prices as member states seek alternative sources to diversify away from Russian gas and oil. Close monitoring will be required as the European Council prepares for the upcoming summit, where leaders will discuss additional measures to support both energy stability and economic resilience.
Key developments across Europe
EU chief criticises Spain’s migrant plan after Ceuta crisis meeting
EU MIGRATION — The EU’s commissioner has publicly opposed Spain’s recent strategy for handling migrant arrivals.
Following a crisis meeting in Ceuta, EU officials voiced concerns regarding Spain’s plans to manage increasing numbers of migrants from North Africa. The criticism suggests a need for more coordinated EU policies to address migration challenges effectively.
Germany’s gas gamble puts Europe’s winter at risk
EU ENERGY — Germany’s energy crisis is creating significant concerns for the entire European Union this winter.
Amid reduced gas supplies, Germany’s reliance on emergency strategies raises alarms about potential energy shortages across Europe. This situation could catalyse further discussions on EU-wide energy security measures ahead of the winter months.
Fish over Trump: Economy will determine Iceland’s vote on the EU
EU FOREIGN POLICY — Iceland’s EU membership debate is primarily driven by economic factors rather than political considerations.
As Iceland weighs the benefits of joining the EU, recent polling indicates that public opinion leans heavily towards economic pragmatism over political alignment, notably in light of current international relations and trade dynamics.
EU to push countries to invest in nature as wildfire costs spiral
EU CLIMATE — The EU is encouraging member states to prioritise investment in natural capital.
In response to increasing wildfire incidents and associated expenses, the EU is advocating for enhanced environmental investments. This initiative aims to mitigate climate-related risks and foster sustainable practices across member countries.
What to watch — Future discussions in the EU are likely to focus on refining energy independence protocols as winter approaches.
Further reading from across European news sources
The Guardian
EU chief criticises Spain’s migrant plan after Ceuta crisis meeting
Politico Europe
Germany’s gas gamble puts Europe’s winter at risk
Euronews
Fish over Trump: Economy will determine Iceland’s vote on the EU
Reuters
EU to push countries to invest in nature as wildfire costs spiral
Politico Europe
The EU has new anti-Beijing instruments, but will China have to face the music?
Ukraine condemns Russian missile strikes as civilian casualties rise
Ukraine condemns Russian missile strikes as civilian casualties rise
Spain has reinstated border controls with Italy amid escalating tensions over a migrant influx into Ceuta. The move comes as authorities respond to increased pressure from the European Union regarding irregular migration routes, with Spanish officials citing security concerns prompted by the significant influx of asylum seekers. This measure, aimed at regulating the movement of people across this Schengen border, reflects broader regional anxieties regarding immigration policy amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions within Europe.
Economically, the impact of Spain’s decision is likely to ripple through regional trade and tourism sectors already burdened by post-pandemic recovery. Stakeholders are particularly keen on monitoring the forthcoming discussions at the EU summit scheduled for next week, where member states will address coordinated approaches to migration and border security.
Key developments across the world
Child among three killed in Russian missile attacks near Kyiv
GLOBAL SECURITY — Recent missile strikes in Kyiv resulted in the deaths of three people, including a child.
The attacks mark an escalation in the ongoing conflict, prompting condemnation from international communities. Ukrainian officials are urging greater military aid from allies in response to the increasing aggression from Russia.
Spain reinstates border controls on Italy as tensions rise over migrants
GLOBAL MIGRATION — Spain has announced reinstated border controls with Italy amid rising tensions regarding migrant influxes.
The decision follows significant pressures on Spain’s border cities, particularly Ceuta, known for high numbers of arriving migrants. This move could strain relations between the two countries and complicate EU migration policies.
Trump renews effort to fire Fed’s Cook, continuing attacks on central bank
DIPLOMACY — Former President Donald Trump has revived his attempt to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
This development occurs in the context of ongoing dissatisfaction within Trump’s circle regarding Fed policies. Such actions could further complicate financial stability and provoke scrutiny from economic analysts.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey sign defence pact
GLOBAL SECURITY — Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have formalised a new defence partnership aimed at enhancing regional security.
This pact underscores a strategic shift in military alliances in response to increasing geopolitical tensions. The agreement may significantly impact the dynamics in an already volatile region.
What to watch — The potential for escalated military responses following the latest missile attacks in Ukraine.
Further reading from global news sources
Financial Times
Spain reinstates border controls on Italy as tensions rise over migrants
BBC News
Spain to impose border controls against Italy as row over Ceuta migrant influx intensifies
The Economist
World in Brief: Spain imposes border restrictions on Italy; Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey sign defence pact
The Guardian
‘We have no tents or blankets’: Ceuta migrants struggle to survive brutal heat and freezing nights
Reuters
Trump renews effort to fire Fed’s Cook, continuing attacks on central bank
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