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- Elderly woman’s eviction sparks impending snap election in Spain
- Supreme Court hears climate change lawsuit against major oil companies
- Trump attributes rising US fuel prices to Democrats and Ukraine strikes, not Iran war
- Tory MP expresses concern over Republicans’ ties to Alberta separatists
- Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito discusses his new book and Court dynamics
- Birmingham council mistakenly sells primary school along with home for £395,000
- British tourist found dead after attending pagan gathering in Sicily
- Russian intelligence services create fake Ukrainian government websites
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Elderly woman’s eviction sparks impending snap election in Spain
9:00 pm
Get you up to speed: The elderly woman who sparked a snap election in Spain | News World
Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old resident of Madrid, was evicted from her home of over 70 years on September 23 after her rent soared from €440 to €2,650 per month. Her eviction has sparked widespread protests in Madrid, with campaigners advocating for stronger tenant rights.
Maricarmen Abascal was taken to a hospital after her eviction and has been informed by a court that she may return to her flat. The government initially proposed plans to implement a moratorium on evictions until 2030, among other reforms, but these measures failed to secure parliamentary support, triggering early elections set for November 29.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a snap election for November 29 following the failure of two housing decrees aimed at stemming evictions and regulating rental markets, a decision that reflects mounting pressure from public protests and political deadlock. In response to the crisis, opposition leader Alberto Nuñez Feijoo pledged to double homebuilding in Spain, promising to construct 200,000 units annually if elected.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether Maricarmen Abascal will be able to regain permanent residency in her home following the court’s decision.
Elderly woman’s eviction sparks impending snap election in Spain
Maricarmen Abascal has become the face of the housing protests, pictured just minutes before being evicted in Madrid, Spain.
(Picture: Europa Press)
Spain is heading to the polls at the end of November after a row over housing led to parliamentary deadlock.
One elderly pensioner evicted from the home she had lived in for 70 years after the new landlord raised the rent by 430 per cent has become the face of the rising angry protests.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was left with no option but to call the snap election, after two decrees aimed at ending evictions and curbing tourist housing were defeated last week in the Congress of Deputies.
Huge demonstrations following MPs’ rejection of decrees saw protesters camp in more than 1,200 tents in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol and unions call for a general strike.
Anger over the shortage of housing and rental laws bubbled over after 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal faced eviction after her monthly bill leapt up from €440€ to €2,650 per month since 2018.
Protesters camp out in more than 1,200 tents in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol following outrage over housing evictions (Picture: Getty Images)
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Her eviction on a stretcher on September 23 provoked widespread protests as campaigners pushed for stronger rights for tenants.
Ms Abascal was taken to a hospital and has since been told by a court she will be able to return to her flat.
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez has called a general election for November 29 (Picture: Reuters)
Two decrees brought forward by the government promised a package of measures including a moratorium on evictions until 2030, a VAT hike for tourist apartments and tax breaks for landlords to encourage a drop in rents.
However the plans were thrown into turmoil after right-wing Catalan separatist party Junts voted against the decrees, ending Sanchez’s fragile majority.
Addressing the nation this morning, Sanchez asked voters for a ‘larger progressive majority’ in an early election scheduled for November 29.
The move is seen as a gamble with Sanchez’s Socialist Party currently trailing in nearly all polls; however the leader is hoping to capitalise on the wave of anger generated by his opponent’s refusal to back his plans to alleviate the housing crisis.
Sanchez, who has led Spain through a series of coalitions since 2018, has also come under pressure from corruption scandals involving both him and his wife, as well as allegations of sexual misconduct within his party.
His government has also faced criticism for his handling of the migrant crisis in Ceuta, the Spanish outpost on the coast of Morocco.
A loss for Sanchez would spell the end of one of Europe’s few left-leaning governments at a time when far-right insurgents make gains across the continent, notably in France and Germany.
Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, the leader of the opposition People’s Party, responded to the election announcement by pledging to double homebuilding in Spain to 200,000 units a year and cut taxes
While his party is likely to retain its position as the largest in parliament, Feijoo is likely to require support from the far-right anti-immigration Vox, to govern
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Supreme Court hears climate change lawsuit against major oil companies
8:01 pm
Media Lens: Supreme Court hears climate change lawsuit against major oil companies
Supreme Court hears climate change lawsuit against oil companies.
Supreme Court justices are currently grappling with a case regarding climate change and its implications for the oil industry. The justices have raised sharp questions about holding oil companies liable for climate change impacts, according to coverage in CNN and The Washington Post.
What happened
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a significant climate change lawsuit against oil companies. The case explores the potential liability of these companies for their contributions to climate change and the resulting impacts.
This issue has raised substantial questions among the justices regarding the relationship between corporations and environmental policy, as well as the legal precedents that may influence their decisions. The ongoing deliberations reflect the court’s grappling with these complex ecological and legal challenges.
Key facts
- The Supreme Court is hearing a climate change lawsuit against oil companies.
- The lawsuit addresses the responsibility of oil companies for climate change impacts.
- Justices have expressed confusion about the legal arguments presented in the case.
- The case represents a significant legal battle as the Supreme Court’s new term begins.
Where coverage differs
- NBC News emphasizes the Supreme Court’s internal debates, while The New York Times emphasizes the implications of the case for climate change policy.
- The Washington Post foregrounds the perspective of the justices regarding oil company accountability rather than broader environmental concerns.
- CNN prioritizes the questioning style of the justices and the implications for ongoing legal actions over the broader consequences of the case on climate initiatives.
One story, four angles
NBC News – New Supreme Court term begins with justices stumped by climate change case
Publication: NBC News | Primary framing pattern: legal | Tone: analytical | Intensity: 6/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: moderate
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Espresso Shot: This article highlights the challenges faced by the Supreme Court justices as they deliberate on a pivotal climate change lawsuit against major oil companies. The emphasis is on the uncertainty regarding legal precedents and the implications of the case for future climate litigation.
Publication emphasis: The article emphasizes the legal complexities and critical nature of the court’s decision on climate change.
Framing analysis: The piece foregrounds the justices’ dilemma and the legal implications of their ruling while placing less emphasis on public opinion or the broader social consequences of climate change.
Bias: Selection: Focuses on judicial inquiry; Language: Uses legal terminology and neutral tone; Omission: Limited discussion of activist or community groups involved in the case.
Assessment: The report provides an insightful analysis of the legal hurdles facing the court, fostering greater awareness of the judiciary’s role in climate issues.
The New York Times – A Supreme Court Battle Over Climate Change Begins
Publication: The New York Times | Primary framing pattern: political | Tone: critical | Intensity: 7/10 | Sentiment: somewhat negative | Legal precision: high
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Espresso Shot: This article outlines the contentious nature of the Supreme Court’s consideration of a significant climate change case against oil companies, emphasizing the political ramifications that may arise from the ruling. The tone is critical of the potential leniency towards corporate interests.
Publication emphasis: The New York Times focuses on the intersection of law and politics regarding climate accountability, highlighting the stakes involved.
Framing analysis: The article foregrounds the political implications and risks of the case outcome, particularly concerning corporate influence over environmental laws, while emphasizing the potential for change in the judicial landscape.
Bias: Selection: Highlights possible political interference; Language: Uses strong, critical phrasing; Omission: Less focus on technical judicial arguments or the oil companies’ defenses.
Assessment: The article effectively critiques the political dynamics at play, encouraging readers to consider the broader implications of the Supreme Court’s decisions on climate policy.
The Washington Post – Supreme Court grapples with case on holding Big Oil liable for climate change
Publication: The Washington Post | Primary framing pattern: moral | Tone: serious | Intensity: 8/10 | Sentiment: negative | Legal precision: high
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Espresso Shot: This article addresses the significant moral implications of the Supreme Court’s deliberation on climate litigation against fossil fuel companies. The tone reflects the urgency and severity of climate change as an ethical issue, with a focus on justice for affected communities.
Publication emphasis: The emphasis is placed on the moral responsibility of the court in addressing climate change accountability.
Framing analysis: The article highlights the moral imperative for the justices to consider the long-term effects of their decision on future generations and the planet, while relegating the technical aspects of the law to a subordinate position.
Bias: Selection: Emphasizes environmental justice; Language: Serious and urgent tone; Omission: Limited exploration of the political or economic arguments for and against the lawsuit.
Assessment: The Washington Post’s article compellingly frames the case in moral terms, urging the justices to recognize their role in shaping environmental justice.
CNN – Conservative justices ask sharp questions of Colorado city suing oil companies over climate change impacts
Publication: CNN | Primary framing pattern: consequence | Tone: inquisitive | Intensity: 6/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: moderate
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Espresso Shot: This CNN article outlines the questions posed by conservative justices during arguments about a Colorado city’s lawsuit against oil companies. The focus is on the potential consequences of the court’s ruling and the implications for future climate litigation.
Publication emphasis: The article covers the challenges faced by the city in proving its case, framing the potential outcomes of the case in terms of broader climate accountability.
Framing analysis: The article foregrounds the justices’ inquiries regarding the impact of the lawsuit while secondary details about legal precedents and community welfare are included to a lesser extent.
Bias: Selection: Focuses on judicial inquiries; Language: Inquisitive and explorative; Omission: Limited mention of broader social impacts unrelated to the court’s deliberations.
Assessment: CNN offers an insightful perspective on the legal complexities while posing critical questions about the sustainability of environmental lawsuits in future rulings.
Food for thought
The Supreme Court’s handling of the climate change lawsuit is characterized by sharply distinct legal perspectives across outlets. NBC News emphasizes the strongest legal framing, focusing on the implications of the Court’s decisions regarding state power to sue major oil companies, underscoring the potential precedents in environmental accountability. Conversely, The Washington Post adopts the most escalatory framing, highlighting the justices’ critical questioning and the looming threat to the fossil fuel industry, insinuating profound resistance against climate-related litigation. This divergence illustrates how media interpretation can shape public perception and response to legal matters. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Trump attributes rising US fuel prices to Democrats and Ukraine strikes, not Iran war
7:32 pm
Get you up to speed: Trump blames Democrats and Ukraine for soaring US fuel prices, not Iran war
President Donald Trump attributed rising fuel prices in the United States to Democratic-led states and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. The average price for a gallon of petrol has reached $4.36, reflecting a significant increase from previous months.
G7 countries have agreed to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude from emergency reserves to alleviate pressure on fuel prices. Meanwhile, the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve has reached its lowest level since 1982, contributing to ongoing concerns about domestic supply.
President Donald Trump has attributed rising fuel prices to Democratic-led states and Ukraine’s actions against Russian refineries, while the G7 has agreed to release 100 million barrels from emergency reserves to alleviate pressure on global oil markets. As prices continue to rise, a recent poll indicates that 65 percent of Americans hold Trump accountable for the increases, with significant concerns over the US economy ahead of the midterm elections.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how much the recent refinery closures in Democratic-led states have contributed to the overall spike in fuel prices compared to other global factors.
Trump attributes rising US fuel prices to Democrats and Ukraine strikes, not Iran war
Economy|Oil and GasTrump blames Democrats and Ukraine for soaring US fuel prices, not Iran war
Trump shifts blame for fuel price hikes to Democratic-led states such as California and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries.
Published On 5 Oct 20265 Oct 2026
Published On 5 Oct 20265 Oct 2026With the United States midterm elections approaching, President Donald Trump has attempted to shift blame for high fuel prices from the US-Israel war on Iran to Democrats and Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries.
“What’s driving up Gasoline is no longer the Strait of Hormuz, because Record Numbers of Barrels are coming out now on an almost daily basis, but the word, ‘Refineries,’ where Russia’s are being blown up by Ukraine, and where ours are being closed up, in Blue States, like California, by the Dumocrats,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Monday.
While Trump claims domestic refinery closures are driving the spike, daily exports through the Strait of Hormuz have actually plunged 97 percent since the war began, choking global supplies.
Petrol prices are continuing to climb for consumers. The average price for a gallon (3.79 litres) is $4.36, up from $4.14 a month ago and up from $2.98 on February 28, when the US and Israel first struck Iran, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), which tracks daily petrol prices.
“The ongoing conflicts with Iran and Russia’s war with Ukraine are reinforcing each other, impairing oil product markets, but Middle Eastern flows are far from normal,” Rachel Ziemba, senior adjunct fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told WTX News.
On Friday, G7 countries agreed to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude from emergency reserves amid pressure from the White House. Meanwhile, the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve hits its lowest level since 1982.
“US tells some [European Union] members to release ‘strategic reserves’ or face a potential US diesel export ban, pushing France and Germany to do so, oil prices, along with gasoline and diesel futures strongly lower as a result,” Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a post on X.
Global pressures
Ukraine’s attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure have also driven up prices, particularly diesel fuel. On Sunday, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence claimed that it has disabled more than half of Russia’s oil refining capacity.
“The damage to Russia’s refineries – and risk of more US sanctions on those who process Russian oil – are exacerbating the situation, but the underlying issue is still the volatile flows from the Middle East, the greater difficulty getting oil products out and the lower buffers in place,” Ziemba added.
The latest strikes come amid ongoing attacks since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022. In June, Russian refinery throughput hit its lowest level in two decades, according to an analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The analysis also found that diesel production has fallen 30 percent over the past 18 months.
Trump has also blamed price increases on refining cuts in Democratic-led states such as California, where two refineries have shut down over the past year. The closures reduced the state’s refining capacity by 17 percent, creating some supply gaps, according to an analysis by S&P Global.
However, Trump’s effort to shift blame to Democrats comes ahead of consequential midterm elections that could shape the balance of power in Washington. At the same time, most Americans appear to blame Trump for rising prices. A recent AP-NORC poll found that 65 percent of Americans blamed Trump’s policies for higher prices, while 61 percent said the US economy is worse off than when Trump returned to office.
Tory MP expresses concern over Republicans’ ties to Alberta separatists
7:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Report of Republicans working with Alberta separatists is ‘concerning,’ says Tory MP
Dane Lloyd, the Tory MP, stated that “absolutely nobody has a right to promise away Alberta’s birthright, which is our natural resources.” The comment comes as part of efforts to persuade Albertans to remain with the party.
Investigators have not disclosed any timeline for the completion of their inquiry into the matter. The Tory MP, Dane Lloyd, is actively engaging with Albertans to address concerns regarding the management of the province’s natural resources.
Dane Lloyd, the Tory MP assigned to advocate for Alberta’s interests, emphasised that “Absolutely nobody has a right to promise away Alberta’s birthright, which is our natural resources.” He is expected to engage with Albertans in the coming weeks to reinforce the importance of protecting these resources amid ongoing discussions.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how the government plans to address Albertans’ concerns about the management of natural resources.
Tory MP expresses concern over Republicans’ ties to Alberta separatists
‘Absolutely nobody has a right to promise away Alberta’s birthright, which is our natural resources,’ said Dane Lloyd, the Tory MP tasked by with convincing Albertans to stay.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito discusses his new book and Court dynamics
5:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Extended interview: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito
Justice Samuel Alito participated in a rare interview with Jan Crawford to discuss his first book, “So Ordered: An Originalist’s View of the Constitution, the Court and Our Country.” The interview addressed topics such as the future of the Supreme Court and changes in rhetoric from political leaders.
Justice Samuel Alito’s book, “So Ordered: An Originalist’s View of the Constitution, the Court and Our Country,” is set to release shortly, marking a significant moment in his public engagement. The interview with Jan Crawford is part of a broader strategy to address ongoing discussions regarding the Supreme Court’s future and its role in the current political climate.
Justice Samuel Alito’s recent interview emphasised the need for a respectful discourse regarding the Supreme Court, highlighting a notable shift in rhetoric from political figures. His forthcoming book, “So Ordered: An Originalist’s View of the Constitution, the Court and Our Country,” is expected to address these themes in greater detail, prompting further dialogue on the court’s role in contemporary governance.
What remains unclear — The specific contents of Justice Alito’s book and any potential implications for the Supreme Court are yet to be disclosed.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito discusses his new book and Court dynamics
Justice Samuel Alito sat down with Jan Crawford in a rare interview ahead of the release of his first book, “So Ordered: An Originalist’s View of the Constitution, the Court and Our Country.” He discussed the future of the Supreme Court, changes in rhetoric from political leaders and more.
Birmingham council mistakenly sells primary school along with home for £395,000
4:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Council sells home for £395,000 and throws in school by mistake | News UK
Birmingham City Council mistakenly transferred ownership of George Dixon Primary School to businessman Sukhjit Bains during the sale of a nearby care home. The council has since launched legal action to recover the school after Mr Bains was contacted about the error in 2024.
Birmingham City Council initiated legal proceedings against Sukhjit Bains’ company, NH Care Ltd, and Lloyds Bank at the High Court in London. The council stated that neither the school nor its playing fields could be sold without the consent of the Secretary of State, highlighting regulatory constraints on the ownership transfer.
Birmingham City Council is pursuing legal action against Sukhjit Bains and his company, NH Care Ltd, to reclaim ownership of George Dixon Primary School, stating that the situation is under active legal proceedings. A council spokesman noted, “As the matter is currently the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
What remains unclear — It is unknown how Birmingham City Council plans to resolve the legal proceedings against Mr Bains’ company and his lender.
Birmingham council mistakenly sells primary school along with home for £395,000
A man who bought a house from the council for £395,000 was astounded when he got an unexpected two-for-one deal.
Businessman Sukhjit Bains purchased the three-bed home at auction from Birmingham City Council.
But as the purchase was being finalised, Mr Bains’ solicitor accidentally sent him the wrong type of paperwork and the council’s conveyancer mistakenly rubber-stamped documents which also handed over ownership of George Dixon Primary School.
In theory, this means Mr Bains, 50, would be entitled to kick out teachers and pupils, knock down the school, or sell it on for millions, reports the Daily Mail.
Mr Bains runs the care provider firm NH Care Ltd, and is not thought to have been aware of the error when he bought the house back in 2013.
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He and the company’s other two directors only found out what had happened last year, when the council contacted him and asked for the school back.
A solicitor for Mr Bains said the 2013 property transfer was to NH Care, not to him as an individual.
Parents of the school’s 324 pupils are also not thought to have been aware of what happened.
The city council has now initiated legal action to regain ownership of the school.
According to the council, Mr Bains initially agreed to give the school back but eventually stopped replying to correspondence and declined to sign paperwork.
It claims it has been unable to contact him by phone or letter and, despite making repeated visits to his office, could not find him to discuss the matter in person.
He did open his door to Daily Mail reporters when they visited him, but declined to comment on the issue.
Birmingham City Council has now launched proceedings against Mr Bains’ company and his lender, Lloyds Bank, at the High Court in London.
It is thought the mix-up occurred because the house and the school are both registered under the same land registry number, with the property having previously been a caretaker’s cottage that backs onto the school grounds.
The form used is known as a TR1 and transfers all of the property registered under a number.
Instead, a TP1, which only transfers a specific part of a land parcel, should have been used.
But the council said that neither the school nor its playing fields could be sold without the consent of the Secretary of State.
The mistake was only discovered on April 12, 2024, when the school was looking at becoming an academy.
It was then that it realised it didn’t actually own the building.
The house that Mr Bains did purchase has reportedly remained empty since his purchase and has now been boarded up.
A spokesman for Birmingham Council said: ‘The council is pursuing the appropriate legal process to rectify the position. As the matter is currently the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further.’
WTX has contacted Lloyds Bank and Mr Bain’s solicitor for comment.
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