guardian council

A deported asylum seeker has secretly returned to Britain, living in fear of smugglers and authorities. He claims the UK-France "one in, one out" policy, intended to curb crossings, has driven migrants to more dangerous and expensive methods. He fears being forced into crime to survive, highlighting the policy's unintended consequences.

Former US attorney general Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee. She admitted to redaction errors in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Bondi defended the Justice Department's actions under her leadership. Democrats and survivors criticized the closed-door interview format. They demanded greater transparency and accountability in the handling of these sensitive documents.

In a bold and contentious move, Britain and France have prolonged their migrant exchange initiative until October 1. This unique arrangement facilitates a swap where each small boat arrival results in a corresponding legal entry into the UK from France. While the program has led to hundreds of individuals being either sent back or granted entry, it faces significant backlash.

In Birmingham, a man has been admitted to the hospital with a fractured leg following a collision with a van amid tense confrontations over far-right union flags. Local residents, trying to dismantle the flags placed by the organization Raise the Colours, reported facing hostility and violence. The van involved in the incident sped away but was later located.

We live in the era of viral animals, from Larry the Cat, the permanent fixture at 10 Downing Street, to Moo Deng, the cute pygmy hippo in Thailand, and Punch, the lonely monkey whose inability to make friends made the world go aww. Donald Trump the buffalo might be the latest addition to this pantheon. But long before the algorithm turned animals into celebrities, humans were already turning them into gods, omens, sacrifices, scapegoats and pardoned prisoners.

A shocking discovery in Bishop Auckland, UK, where skeletal remains of an infant, potentially 300 years old, were found wrapped in a 1910 newspaper. Radiocarbon dating places the child between 1726 and 1812, creating a baffling historical puzzle. The infant, named Baby Auckland, was given a funeral, and a full inquest is scheduled for September 17th to uncover the truth.

The British parliamentary sleaze watchdog will probe hard-right politician Nigel Farage's non- disclosure of a £5 million gift from a billionaire donor to his party, UK media reported Wednesday. The parliament's standards commissioner investigation concerns a gift from Thailand-based aviation entrepreneur and crypto investor Christopher Harborne, who last year donated £12 million to Reform UK. Farage and Reform UK told British media that he did not declare the £5 million because it was a personal gift to pay for his personal security, which Harborne corroborated.

Google's AI data centre plans in the UK significantly underestimated carbon emissions, presenting them as five times smaller than reality. Experts discovered the error involved comparing annual emissions to a five-year carbon budget. These miscalculations affect three proposed sites, collectively impacting over 1% of the UK's 2033 carbon budget, a figure comparable to Bristol's annual emissions.

Thousands rallied against antisemitism in London, with major Jewish groups organizing the event. The inclusion of Nigel Farage sparked controversy, drawing criticism for his past rhetoric. Organizers aimed for broad societal support, emphasizing solidarity against hate and division. Religious and business leaders also voiced their backing, pledging protection for the Jewish community.

Shropshire Council staff and elected members are facing abuse and intimidation over the removal of unauthorized Union Jack and St George's flags. These installations, believed to have spread from Birmingham, are causing safety concerns and financial burdens for residents. Other councils, like Oxfordshire, are also grappling with similar issues and the resulting public backlash.

Leicestershire's Reform UK-led council has defied its party's national stance by approving beaver releases to combat flooding. This move, supported by local councillors, highlights an internal party division on rewilding. Beavers, natural engineers, are recognized for their flood mitigation and habitat restoration benefits, a stark contrast to Reform's broader opposition to large-scale nature restoration.

FIFA is poised to secure federal tax exemptions for teams at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, easing a major financial concern for participating nations. However, uneven state and city taxes still leave disparities, particularly affecting smaller associations, meaning the tournament’s financial landscape remains complex despite progress in negotiations with US authorities.

According to the DM, all schools had been directed to ensure full compliance with the capped fee hike

The 2026 FIFA World Cup faces an unexpected financial divide as US tax laws and uneven international treaties mean teams will be taxed differently on tournament earnings. While FIFA holds tax-exempt status, many federations do not, leaving non-European nations particularly exposed. With varying state taxes and limited exemptions, the expanded 48-team format risks creating major economic disparities between participants.

A stark report reveals Black children in England and Wales are nearly eight times more likely to be strip-searched than white peers, with many searches yielding no evidence. This raises serious questions about proportionality and safeguarding, especially after cases like Child Q. Experts and campaigners are demanding urgent reforms to ensure accountability and prevent lasting harm to young people.

Pakistan, Iran and the US all acknowledged China's role in enabling a last-minute US-Iran ceasefire.

The resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar from the legislative council has sent shockwaves through Bihar's political arena. Leaders from JD(U) and NDA have been vocal in their sorrow, reminiscing about Kumar's pivotal role in shaping the state’s future. His exit is profoundly felt, with many acknowledging the innovative strategies and supportive mentorship he brought to governance.

In a significant political shift, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and influential BJP figure Nitin Nabin have stepped down from their state assembly roles following their election to the Rajya Sabha. This development has sparked intense speculation regarding the future leadership of the state government, as the BJP appears poised to target the Chief Minister's office.

Iranians will vote for a new president on June 18, with seven candidates in the race. People will also elect municipal councils, while six candidates will also be chosen to join the Assembly of Experts which names, oversees and can dismiss the supreme leader. Only 7 candidates -- all men -- were approved to run by the conservative-dominated guardian council out of a total of 592.

Iran's conservative guardian council, known for its hardline stance, has officially disqualified former pragmatic President Hassan Rouhani from running in the upcoming March election for the Assembly of Experts, as reported by state media on Wednesday. The Assembly of Experts, established in 1982, consists of 88 members and oversees the highest authority in Iran. While it traditionally refrains from direct involvement in policymaking, it possesses the authority to appoint and dismiss the supreme leader.