Despite Moscow's attempts to stem any dissent against its invasion of Ukraine, some Russians are continuing to protest -- even if it means facing draconian punishment for the most benign acts of opposition. Some have paid a heavy price for their acts of protest. In the early days of the war in February, authorities moved quickly to quash demonstrations, arresting people who marched or even held blank signs, balloons in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, or other oblique references to the conflict. Critical media outlets were shut down as the government sought to control the narrative. Political opponents were singled out by President Vladimir Putin or commentators on state-run TV. Russia cracks down on independent media during Ukraine invasion Russia's brain drain: War with Ukraine prompts tens of thousands to flee abroad Lawmakers rubber-stamped measures that outlawed the spread of "false information" about what the Kremlin called a "special … [Read more...] about Russians defy crackdown to find small ways of protesting Ukraine war
When milwaukee went to war
Model who joined Ukraine army as ‘elite sniper’ is killed in Russian air strike
An elite sniper and former model has been killed in a Russian airstrike in Ukraine . Thalita do Valle, 39, died while fighting in the city of Kharkiv on June 30. She had joined the war effort alongside former Brazilian Army soldier Douglas Burigo. Douglas, 40, also died in last week’s airstrike, reportedly after he went into a bunker to try find Thalita. The pair had travelled from Brazil to support Ukrainian forces. Thalita had previous experience in warzones, and had fought against the Islamic State in Iraq. At this time, she received special sniper training as she trained alongside the Peshmergas, the armed military forces of the independent Kurdistan region of Iraq. She reportedly used these skills in Ukraine, where she was responsible for providing cover from advancing Russian froces. Thalita had documented some of her experiences on a YouTube channel and she had been working with a writer ahead of a potential book about her diverse life. She was also … [Read more...] about Model who joined Ukraine army as ‘elite sniper’ is killed in Russian air strike
Auberon Waugh
Auberon Waugh's death at the age of 61 is more sad than surprising. His immediate heredity wasn't promising - his father died at 62, his mother at 57 - and he suffered from ill-health all his life, partly resulting from severe wounds sustained during National Service at the age of 18. That may, in part, have accounted for the acidic personality which made him the most verbally brutal journalist of his age. Everyone who met him remarked on the contrast between his ferocity in print and his personal geniality, but this was hard to explain to those who didn't know him, especially if they had been on the rough end of his pen. Apart from health, his background shaped his career in one other respect. He spent much of his life trying to escape from the shadow of his father, the greatest English novelist of his age. This provided an obvious weapon for Auberon's enemies. Philip Larkin joked about "my projected series, Talentless Sons of Famous Fathers - Waugh, Amis, Fuller...", and for … [Read more...] about Auberon Waugh
UK’s fourth-largest household energy supplier EDF nationalised by the French state
The energy crisis sparked by Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine is having all kinds of consequences on the corporate sector. Germany's government looks set to bail out Uniper , one of the country's biggest power utilities, with a package of up to €9bn apparently being discussed. On Wednesday, the French government went one step further, announcing a full nationalisation of the energy giant EDF, the company that in Britain is the fourth largest household energy supplier and which is building Hinkley Point 'C', the UK's first new nuclear power station in a generation. Elisabeth Borne, the French PM, told parliament: "The climate emergency requires strong, radical decisions. We need to have full control of the production and our energy future. We must ensure our sovereignty faced with the consequences of the war and the colossal challenges ahead. "That is why I confirm today the intention of the state to hold 100% of the capital of EDF." Advertisement In truth, … [Read more...] about UK’s fourth-largest household energy supplier EDF nationalised by the French state
What I Wish I’d Known About Sexual Assault in the Military
“D uck and cover!” a mechanized voice screamed. The ground shook and the window rattled. I rolled from my bed to the floor of my trailer and felt for the armor I’d forgotten in my office. I lay there and sweated and swore. The voice from the loudspeaker urged me to get away from the windows. I was inside a tin can. I crawled to the door. My hand was on the knob when I realized I was naked. The next impact knocked the air conditioner to the floor. I grabbed a light-blue cotton robe and bolted. To hear more feature stories, see our full list or get the Audm iPhone app. I raced along a row of sandbags, one hand holding the robe closed. The duck-and-cover bunkers were 100 feet away. Another series of explosions, and I hit the rocks. I was lying there, panting, when I saw a bright-yellow bunker tucked behind a row of sandbags and palm trees. I was up, running, full out. My robe fell open and flew out behind me. Another hit. I was 20 feet away. Ten. Five. I crashed into the … [Read more...] about What I Wish I’d Known About Sexual Assault in the Military
Beleaguered Boris Johnson rejects Nicola Sturgeon’s indyref2 call
Published 38 minutes ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told Scotland's first minister that now is not the time to hold a second independence referendum. His letter to Nicola Sturgeon came on the day dozens of his own ministers and aides called for him to quit . Last week the FM wrote to Mr Johnson saying she was ready for talks to negotiate the powers to hold the vote. Ms Sturgeon said she had received his reply and questioned whether it would be one of his final acts as PM. Both the Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Savid Javid resigned from their positions on Tuesday evening. PM vows to keep going amid pressure from ministers Follow live updates Can Boris Johnson survive these resignations? They went within minutes of each other following a row over Mr Johnson's decision to appoint Chris Pincher … [Read more...] about Beleaguered Boris Johnson rejects Nicola Sturgeon’s indyref2 call
All the Tories brutally turning against Boris Johnson’s leadership as MPs ‘read last rites’
Shameless Boris Johnson has told friends he will "smash on" despite a string of resignations. The Prime Minister is said to have declared "I'm not going anywhere” despite Rishi Sunak , Sajid Javid and his Solicitor General all resigning last night. But MPs have other ideas - with a string of Tories from across the spectrum reading him the “last rites”. While the Cabinet are now mostly firm, the PM is being rocked by a string of junior resignations from government. Between 6pm on Tuesday and 2pm on Wednesday 21 MPs resigned from the government - nine ministers, nine parliamentary private secretaries, two trade envoys and one Tory vice chair. Back bench MPs across the spectrum, from moderate ex-ministers Chris Skidmore and Nick Gibb to culture war Red Wallers Jonathan Gullis, Tom Hunt and Lee Anderson, have charged over the top. For so many MPs, the revelation the PM knew about claims against MP Chris Pincher, then promoted him repeatedly, then “forgot” he’d been told, is … [Read more...] about All the Tories brutally turning against Boris Johnson’s leadership as MPs ‘read last rites’
‘Genuine and loyal’ Bill Bailey gives poignant tribute to Sean Lock ahead of 100-mile walk
Bill Bailey remembers late comedian Sean Lock Don't miss the best new TV releases for 2022 and behind the scenes news SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Comedian Sean Lock sadly lost his battle to lung cancer in August 2021 at 58 years old. As he loved being outdoors, former Strictly Come Dancing champ Bill, 57, will be paying homage to his pal by taking part in a 100-mile fundraising event. Related articles America’s Got Talent: Simon Cowell in tears watching Nightbirde Why Didn’t They Ask Evans showrunner on ‘exquisite’ lead actress Appearing on Wednesday’s instalment of This Morning, Bill had nothing but kind words to say about his friend of over 30 years. Sean and Bill had spent a lot of time … [Read more...] about ‘Genuine and loyal’ Bill Bailey gives poignant tribute to Sean Lock ahead of 100-mile walk
Boris says it wouldn’t be ‘responsible’ for him to leave Number 10
Boris Johnson has said leaving Number 10 would not be the ‘responsible’ thing to do, given the challenges facing the country. The prime minister has been badly wounded by a wave of resignations from senior colleagues and junior ministers calling for him to step down. Reports suggest a delegation of Cabinet ministers – said to include Grant Shapps and Brandon Lewis – are heading to Downing Street to tell him he should quit . Michael Gove is thought to have already done so . Mr Johnson appeared before the Liaison Committee on Thursday, during which he was confronted with one of his own past quotes about leaders who cling to power long after they have lost all authority. Labour MP Darren Jones challenged the PM: ‘”When a regime has been in power for too long, when it has fatally exhausted the patience of the people, and when oblivion finally beckons – I am afraid that across the world you can rely on the leaders of that regime to act solely in the interests of … [Read more...] about Boris says it wouldn’t be ‘responsible’ for him to leave Number 10
Boris Johnson leadership LIVE: Cabinet members queue up to tell PM he must quit
A delegation of Cabinet ministers are set to meet Boris Johnson at No10 as he heads out of a car crash Liaison Committee meeting this evening to tell him to go. 'Men in grey suits' Welsh Secretary Simon Hart, grim-faced Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis are set to tell the Prime Minister he had lost the confidence of his party. The revelation the PM knew about claims against “grope” accused MP Chris Pincher, then promoted him, then “forgot” he’d been told, was the last straw for many MPs. Chancellor Rishi Sunak and health secretary Sajid Javid led the way yesterday for a wave of Tory resignations . The doomed PM has seen dozens of his own MPs quit in 24 hours, including ministers, parliamentary private secretaries and trade envoys. Meanwhile, Tories have discussed changing the rules of no confidence votes - to force the PM out as soon as next week if he opts to squat in No10. In a day of feverish drama at Westminster the … [Read more...] about Boris Johnson leadership LIVE: Cabinet members queue up to tell PM he must quit