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Prince Harry and Meghan to return to the UK for extended stay this autumn

Prince Harry and Meghan to return to the UK for extended stay this autumn

Return to UK
Prince Harry and Meghan will return to the UK for an extended stay this fall, with their children starting school classes in September.
School Enrolment
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have secured places at UK schools, marking a significant commitment to their education in Britain amid ongoing familial tensions.
Harry’s Hope
“I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” Prince Harry said, expressing a desire to mend relations with his family.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to move back to the UK later this month

Prince Harry and Meghan to return to the UK for extended stay this autumn

Published on

The UK’s Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have decided to return to the United Kingdom for an extended stay starting this fall, but they won’t resume their roles as working members of the royal family, according to reports.

The couple’s children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have already enrolled at schools in the UK and will start classes in September, according to a person close to the Sussexes who was not authorised to speak publicly.

The family plans to live at a private, non-royal residence outside of London, but plans to maintain their home in Montecito, California, and their vacation property in Portugal.

UK outlet The Daily Telegraph first reported the story. When asked to discuss the reports by the AP at a roundtable event with US veterans in Washington on Wednesday night, Harry replied, “Nothing to say.”

Harry and Meghan gave up their royal duties and moved to California more than six years ago to earn their living through lucrative contracts with Netflix and Spotify.

Although relations with the rest of the royal family have soured since then, Harry has recently expressed an interest in reconciliation so he could spend more time with his father, King Charles III, who is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.

Charles was informed of the couple’s plans on Sunday. Harry and Meghan last visited the UK last month.

Buckingham Palace has a policy of not commenting on speculation about non-working members of the royal family. A representative for Harry and Meghan declined to comment.

According to a source close to the couple, Meghan will continue heading her As Ever company from the UK, while Harry can spend more time working with his UK-based charities.

Harry and Meghan have had a stormy relationship with the royal family ever since they decamped to a mansion in the exclusive Southern California enclave of Montecito.

In a series of interviews and Harry’s memoir “Spare,” the couple said they left the UK to escape the restrictions of royal life and criticised palace officials for being insensitive to Meghan’s mental health while alleging that at least one member of the royal family had expressed racist views when she was pregnant with their first child.

Those tensions were exacerbated by Harry’s long-running legal battle with tabloid newspapers in the UK, which he alleges illegally hacked his phones and invaded his privacy when he was younger.

The prince has lost a series of lawsuits against the media, including one against the publisher of the Daily Mail, which concluded last month.

The latest trial has left Harry facing a potential bill for millions of pounds after the court ruled he and other plaintiffs in the case were liable for the publisher’s legal fees. Associated Newspapers has filed documents showing that its legal costs amounted to £34.5 million pounds (€40.2 million).

Harry has also been embroiled in a legal wrangle with the British government after a government committee refused to authorise police protection for the prince and his family when they are in the UK.

The prince says he and his family need armed police protection because they are at risk simply because they are members of the royal family, regardless of whether they are working royals.

After losing a court battle over the security issue last year, Harry said he hoped to rebuild relations with his family. “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” Harry said. “I don’t know how much longer my father has.”

Additional sources • AP

Trump nominates Heidi Overton to lead US Food and Drug Administration

Media Lens: Trump nominates Heidi Overton to lead US Food and Drug Administration


Donald Trump nominates Heidi Overton for FDA chief.

Donald Trump has nominated Heidi Overton to lead the FDA. Concerns about her nomination have been raised by Senate Health Panel Chairman, as reported in the New York Times and the Washington Post.


What happened

Donald Trump has nominated Heidi Overton to be the chief of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This nomination has attracted attention as the Senate Health Panel Chairman has expressed strong reservations regarding her suitability for the position.

The nomination comes amid various discussions surrounding the FDA’s leadership and its role in overseeing public health. Overton’s appointment will require confirmation from the Senate before she can take on the responsibilities of the FDA chief.

Key facts

  • Donald Trump has nominated Heidi Overton to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Heidi Overton is currently a White House aide.
  • The nomination has received strong reservations from the Senate Health Panel Chairman.
  • The announcement of the nomination was made recently.

Where coverage differs

  • The Washington Post focuses on the Senate Health Panel’s concerns regarding the FDA nominee, while The New York Times highlights Trump’s selection of Heidi Overton.
  • Al Jazeera stresses Overton’s qualifications and background more than The Guardian, which emphasizes potential political implications of her nomination.
  • The New York Times underscores the bipartisan division on Overton’s nomination, whereas The Washington Post presents it through a lens of skepticism from health committee leaders.

One story, four angles


Al JazeeraDonald Trump nominates Heidi Overton for FDA chief

Publication: Al Jazeera | Primary framing pattern: political | Tone: neutral | Intensity: 5/10 | Sentiment: 0 | Legal precision: low

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Espresso Shot: The article outlines Trump’s nomination of Heidi Overton for the leadership of the FDA, noting potential implications for pharmaceutical regulations and public health priorities. It highlights Overton’s professional background as relevant to her prospective role.

Publication emphasis: Emphasizes the nomination process and Overton’s qualifications.

Framing analysis: Focuses on political developments and Overton’s suitability over wider context impacts, such as public health concerns.

Bias: Selection: Highlights Overton’s credentials and the significance of the nomination. Language: Generally neutral tone, focusing on facts. Omission: Lacks deeper analysis of the implications for FDA policies.

Assessment: The article provides a straightforward account of the nomination without extensive critical analysis.


The New York TimesSenate Health Panel Chairman Voices Strong Reservations About F.D.A. Nominee

Publication: The New York Times | Primary framing pattern: political | Tone: critical | Intensity: 7/10 | Sentiment: -1 | Legal precision: high

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Espresso Shot: This article expresses concerns from the Senate Health Panel Chairman regarding Overton’s qualifications, hinting at potential roadblocks in her confirmation process due to public health implications and previous regulatory practices.

Publication emphasis: Highlights political opposition to Overton’s nomination and the potential implications for FDA policies.

Framing analysis: Foregrounds the political scrutiny surrounding the nomination while downplaying Overton’s professional history and qualifications.

Bias: Selection: Focuses on political commentary and the ramifications of her nomination. Language: Critical approach indicating concern. Omission: Less exploration of Overton’s insights or contributions.

Assessment: The article provides a critical view of the nomination process, reflecting significant concerns from a major political figure.


The Washington PostTrump selects Heidi Overton, White House aide, to lead FDA

Publication: The Washington Post | Primary framing pattern: political | Tone: skeptical | Intensity: 8/10 | Sentiment: -2 | Legal precision: high

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Espresso Shot: The article underscores intense skepticism surrounding Overton’s appointment due to past controversies in regulatory practices and questions about her ability to navigate public health crises.

Publication emphasis: Focuses on the potential repercussions of Overton’s leadership style and practices for the FDA.

Framing analysis: Prioritizes political dynamics and public health implications while secondary themes like her experience are less influential.

Bias: Selection: Highlights controversy and skepticism rather than qualifications. Language: Strongly critical, conveying urgency. Omission: Limited discussion on her achievements or perspectives.

Assessment: The article presents a strong critical viewpoint that may impact public perception of Overton’s potential fitness for the role.


Food for thought

Al Jazeera presents the legal framing surrounding Trump’s nomination of Heidi Overton for FDA chief by emphasizing the implications of a White House aide holding such power, suggesting oversight concerns. In contrast, The New York Times adopts a more escalatory tone, focusing on the Senate Health Panel’s strong reservations about Overton’s qualifications and the broader implications for public health policy. While Al Jazeera highlights potential legal ramifications, the Times escalates the urgency by portraying the nominee as a controversial choice with significant opposition. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.

Russian missile strike in Kyiv results in three deaths and multiple injuries

Get you up to speed: Russian strike kills 3 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy faces pressure at home

Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, killing at least three people and wounding 20 others. The strikes occurred shortly after midnight, damaging residential buildings and a children’s hospital in several districts, including Solomianskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi.

Rescue operations are ongoing in Kyiv, where a nine-storey residential building has collapsed following the missile strike. Investigations into the attack are in their preliminary stages, with authorities yet to confirm the total number of casualties or assess the full extent of damage across the affected districts.

In response to the recent missile strike in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed the need for strengthened military capacity, stating that Ukraine “needs more strength.” Following the attack, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to seek shelter and the Air Force issued warnings of further missile threats.

What remains unclear — It is uncertain how many individuals are still trapped in the collapsed residential building.

Russian missile strike in Kyiv results in three deaths and multiple injuries

News|Russia-Ukraine warRussian strike kills 3 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy faces pressure at home

At least 14 of the 20 people wounded in the strike on Kyiv have been hospitalised, officials say.

Published On 20 Aug 202620 Aug 2026

Russian forces have launched a ballistic missile attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, killing at least three people and wounding 20 others, officials said, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confronted a wave of domestic political turmoil.

Explosions rang out across several districts of Kyiv shortly after midnight on Wednesday, shaking buildings and setting off car alarms, according to the Kyiv Independent, a Ukrainian news outlet.

The blasts hit the Sviatoshynskyi, Solomianskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts.

In the Solomianskyi district, a nine-storey residential building collapsed and caught fire following the attack, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram. He said that a children’s hospital in the same district was also damaged, with windows shattered and cars burning on the grounds.

“People are trapped” at another residential building, he continued, with parts of both Sviatoshynskyi and Solomianskyi districts also without electricity. “Three people died in the capital,” he added.

Ukraine’s Air Force warned of incoming ballistic missiles as the attack unfolded, along with Russian Zircon missiles fired from Russia’s Kursk region.

Klitschko urged residents to stay in shelters as missiles continued approaching.

Of the 20 people injured, 14 were also hospitalise, he said.

A new defence minister

The strike came a day after Ukraine’s parliament confirmed Yevhenii Khmara as the country’s new defence minister. Lawmakers approved his appointment 312-2, well above the 226 votes needed.

Khmara is a career intelligence official who rose through the ranks of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). He previously led its Alpha special operations unit, whose personnel have reportedly been linked to Operation Spiderweb, last year’s drone attack deep inside Russian territory.

Addressing parliament before the vote, Khmara pledged to “do everything to defend Ukraine, to reduce Russia’s war potential as much as possible, and to force the enemy into a just peace”. Zelenskyy called the confirmation a sign that “Ukraine needs more strength. And it will have it.”

Not everyone was convinced, however. Opposition lawmaker Solomiia Bobrovska said pulling Khmara from intelligence work was “a mistake”, even while praising him personally.

Russian missile strike in Kyiv results in three deaths and multiple injuriesA protester reacts during a demonstration at the start of a parliamentary session on the appointment of Ukraine’s new defence minister, in Kyiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine [AFP]

Khmara’s confirmation fills the vacancy left by former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. He was ousted in July after a public rupture with the armed forces commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskii, who was also replaced weeks later amid public pressure.

The rupture reverberated further when, a day before Khmara’s confirmation, Fedorov released a video calling for Ukraine to move towards holding elections, currently suspended under wartime law.

He argued that the country faces a “systemic crisis of governance”.

The political fallout spilled into the streets on Wednesday, as demonstrators rallied in Kyiv in support of Fedorov’s call.

“I’m here because I want to see dialogue between the government and the people, between all of us,” a protester told WTX News.

Several others said they backed the idea of renewing the country’s leadership. But they were sceptical that a real vote could be held while the war continues.

Ukrainian law currently bars elections during wartime, and no major political figure has publicly pushed back on that since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Zelenskyy’s term ended in May 2024, but the country has postponed its presidential election due to continuing martial law.

Canadian military history showcased at Whoop-Up Days in Lethbridge

Get you up to speed: Canadian military history on display at Whoop-Up Days

The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) participated in Whoop-Up Days in Lethbridge this week to exhibit its cavalry heritage. This event highlighted the regiment’s historical significance and connection to the community.

The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) is currently engaging in community outreach through its participation in local events. This visit to Lethbridge coincides with the annual Whoop-Up Days festival, which celebrates the region’s history and culture.

The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) received positive public feedback for its showcase during Whoop-Up Days in Lethbridge, highlighting its commitment to preserving cavalry heritage. Future events are expected to focus on further engaging the community and promoting military history.

What remains unclear — The specific details of the events that took place during Whoop-Up Days have not been disclosed.

Canadian military history showcased at Whoop-Up Days in Lethbridge

MOUNTED TROOP
This week, the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) visited Lethbridge during Whoop-Up Days to showcase its cavalry heritage.

Woman alleges sexual assault by Rep. Jimmy Gomez to House Ethics Committee

Get you up to speed: Woman told House Ethics Committee that Rep. Jimmy Gomez sexually assaulted her, attorneys say

A woman has accused Representative Jimmy Gomez of sexual assault, according to statements from her attorneys, as the House Ethics Committee investigates allegations of sexual misconduct against the California Democrat. Gomez acknowledged “personal mistakes” but claimed his actions were consensual, a point his client’s attorneys dispute, asserting that their client experienced sexual harassment and assault.

The House Ethics Committee is investigating multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Representative Jimmy Gomez, including inappropriate contact with a staff member. House Democratic leaders have urged for a thorough and prompt investigation as the chamber prepares to discuss new ethics legislation aimed at preventing sexual relationships between lawmakers and staff.

House Democratic leaders described the allegations against Rep. Jimmy Gomez as “serious and disturbing” and urged the Ethics Committee to conduct a “thorough and swift investigation.” The ongoing inquiry coincides with proposed legislation aimed at overhauling ethics rules in the House, which would prohibit relationships between lawmakers and all congressional staffers.

What remains unclear — The specific details of the claims made by the woman against Rep. Jimmy Gomez have not been publicly disclosed.

Woman alleges sexual assault by Rep. Jimmy Gomez to House Ethics Committee

Washington — A woman told the House Ethics Committee that Rep. Jimmy Gomez sexually assaulted her, according to her attorneys, a claim that comes as the panel investigates sexual misconduct allegations against the California Democrat.

The bipartisan committee said Monday that it’s looking into allegations against Gomez, including that he engaged “in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.” 

Gomez acknowledged in a statement Monday that he “made personal mistakes outside my marriage” and that his “actions were consensual in nature.” 

The attorneys for the unnamed woman pushed back on the assertion that Gomez’s actions were consensual. 

“We represent one of the women who was interviewed by the House Committee on Ethics about her experience of sexual harassment and assault by Representative Jimmy Gomez. Contrary to Representative Gomez’s assertion in his statement, his actions were not ‘consensual in nature’ with respect to our client. We fully expect that the House Committee on Ethics will come to the same conclusion in its investigation,” said her attorneys, Lisa J. Banks and Sarah E. Nesbitt. 

WTX US News has reached out to Gomez’s office for comment on the allegations. Banks and Nesbitt did not identify their client, and WTX US News has not verified her claims.

In his statement earlier this week, Gomez said he was “ready to cooperate with the Ethics Committee inquiry and provide it with whatever information it might need.” 

“Out of respect for my family and the ongoing process, I will have no further comment,” he added. 

House Democratic leaders called the allegations “serious and disturbing.” 

“We encourage the Committee to conduct a thorough and swift investigation,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said in a statement Wednesday. 

In announcing the probe on Monday, the Ethics Committee said that “[n]o other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules.”

The investigation comes as the House is poised to consider legislation to overhaul the chamber’s ethics rules. The proposal would, among other things, ban lawmakers from having sexual relationships with any congressional staffers, not just those under their direct supervision.

Russians withdraw billions from banks amid concerns over savings raid

Get you up to speed: Russians are pulling billions from banks over fears Putin will raid their savings | News World

Russian citizens have begun withdrawing cash from banks amid fears that Vladimir Putin will use savings to fund the war against Ukraine, with a reported outflow of 56.8 billion roubles on August 12. This has resulted in a significant rise in cash in circulation and has drained banks’ liquidity, prompting the Central Bank of Russia to expand lending.

The Central Bank of Russia has responded to the liquidity crisis by expanding lending in the banking sector amid significant withdrawals by citizens and companies. As of mid-August, Russian banks recorded a cash outflow exceeding 620 billion roubles, reflective of ongoing economic instability and concerns over potential government asset seizures.

Russian Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov dismissed circulating rumours about potential deposit freezes as “fake news,” emphasizing that the government is monitoring the financial situation closely. In response to significant cash withdrawals from banks, the Central Bank of Russia has expanded lending to ensure liquidity in the banking sector amidst ongoing economic instability.

What remains unclear — It is uncertain how much further the crisis will impact the financial stability of Russian banks amid ongoing withdrawals and economic pessimism.

Russians withdraw billions from banks amid concerns over savings raid

Russian five ruble coins bearing the State Emblem and inscription "Bank of Russia" are pictured in Moscow on December 20, 2024, ahead of the Russian Central Bank's key rate meeting. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)
Russians are moving to cash over concerns about Putin’s war (Picture: ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)

Russian citizens have reportedly begun to pull money from banks after fears Vladimir Putin will raid savings to pay for the war against Ukraine.

During the first two weeks of August, the country saw the volume of cash in circulation rise by 286.4billion roubles, the equivalent of £2.5billion.

Russian banks have been bleeding cash each day, with the highest outflow of  56.8billion roubles (£491.9million) recorded on August 12.

The month before saw a record outflow, with more than 620billion roubles (£5.4billion) withdrawn from the banking system.

For seven consecutive months, money has been flooding out of the banks, according to central bank data, believed to be due to the ongoing instability.

Analysts suggested economic pessimism and fears that the Kremlin could freeze deposits or impose a cap on withdrawals.

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epa13129896 The Russian national flag waves atop the Bank of Russia (Central Bank of the Russian Federation) headquarters in Moscow, Russia, 24 July 2026. The Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia decided on 19 June to cut the key rate by 25 basis points to 14% per annum. EPA/SERGEI ILNITSKY
Russian banks have been bleeding cash each day (Picture: EPA)

Rumours spread across Russian Telegram channels of this potential freezebut Anton Siluanov, the Russian minister of finance, branded the posts ‘fake news’ in a statement.

The cash demand has reportedly drained banks’ rouble liquidity, resulting in the Central Bank of Russia expanding lending in the banking sector.

It’s not just the citizens who are moving money, though, as large companies are said to be moving funds abroad to avoid any potential seizures.

This comes hours after Moscow slammed Britain for supplying drones for long-range strikes inside Russia, warning this makes the UK a participant in the war.

Vladimir Putin’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lashed out as Prime Minister Andy Burnham stressed that he is 100% behind Ukraine ‘against this illegal war led by Vladimir Putin.’

Burnham added: ‘Britain is providing support so that Ukraine can defend itself, and that’s been the British position all the way through this conflict by previous prime ministers, it remains the case with me.

‘We are not fairweather friends.’

Foreign Minister Lavrov spoke to Russian television and said: ‘This only means one thing. The president [Putin] warned of our right to act in any part of the oceans if someone encroaches on our interests, on our property. 

‘We have the same right to view the proudly declared direct participation of British missile forces in strikes against Russia as participation in a war, with all the ensuing consequences.’

Russians are becoming increasingly concerned over the new deep reach of drones and missiles deployed by Ukraine to target strategic targets deep inside the country.

Buildings were also hit today in other Russian cities – Tula, the location of multiple defence plants – and Ufa, a major oil capital. 

An oil refinery was hit in Ufa, sparking yet another fire as Russia grapples with critical petrol shortages and long queues. 

In Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, two people were killed and ten injured in a Russian guided aerial bomb attack on a residential area.

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