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In a discussion hosted by Rachel Blevins (@RachelBlevins), international relations analyst Mark Sleboda argues that Ukraine is facing an impending economic and political collapse, which could happen before a decisive military defeat on the battlefield. This assessment focuses on the worsening state of Ukraine's energy infrastructure following ongoing Russian drone and missile strikes.

Sleboda points out that despite a brief, U.S.-brokered ceasefire on energy strikes due to harsh winter weather, Russia has resumed major attacks targeting electrical substations and the national grid. These strikes aim to cripple military logistics, which rely heavily on electric rail, and to disable Ukraine's military-industrial workshops. ...

In a discussion hosted by Dr Myriam Francois (@DrMyriamFrancois1), journalist and author Lucia Osborne-Crowley, one of the few reporters permitted to attend the Ghislaine Maxwell trial, analyses the dynamics of Jeffrey Epstein's inner circle. The conversation centres on why widespread child sexual abuse persisted at the core of this powerful network for decades, arguing it was enabled by more than individual criminality.

Osborne-Crowley explains that while some associates were allegedly directly involved in abuse, a broader circle was complicit through their presence and silence, attracted by access to elite power and "untouchable luxury" Epstein provided. A central thesis is the "attraction ...

High-stakes diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled to take place in Oman on Friday, but negotiations have been brought to the brink of collapse due to fundamental disagreements over their agenda and format. The crisis emerged when Iran insisted that the talks be moved from Turkey to Oman, initially rejected by the US. Last-minute interventions by several Arab states persuaded the White House to accept the venue change, preventing the meeting from fully breaking down.

Beyond the location, a more profound dispute over the scope of discussions threatens the dialogue. The US insists that talks must also ...

Labour leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a public apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein following the resignation of senior party figure Peter Mandelson from the House of Lords. Mandelson's resignation comes amid intense and renewed scrutiny over his past associations with the convicted sex offender, which has triggered a serious political crisis for the Labour Party.

Starmer’s apology marks a significant moment in political damage control, directly acknowledging the harm caused to victims by the actions and associations of powerful individuals. The resignation and apology follow revelations about the extent of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein, including alleged ...

American bulk retail giant Costco has announced an ambitious expansion plan for the Australian market, aiming to open about 20 new warehouse stores over the next five years. This considerable rollout will significantly extend the company's presence in Australia, increasing competition within the supermarket and bulk retail sectors.

The expansion strategy includes targeting new markets, with active site searches underway. A major focus is on Geelong, where the company is looking for a suitable location for a new superstore to serve the regional population of Victoria. Simultaneously, similar plans are being considered for Hobart, which would mark Costco's entry into the ...

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has announced a massive plan to invest about $185 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure, changing expectations for capital spending across the Big Tech sector. Although the company reported strong fourth-quarter earnings that beat analyst predictions, this bold spending plan has received mixed reactions from financial markets, with initial worries about the short-term impact on profits and margins.

The investment focuses on a large expansion of data centres and the development of advanced AI chips to support the next generation of generative AI models and services. This move puts Alphabet at the leading edge of a ...

Intense speculation is growing regarding the Labour Party's leadership and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's position, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner widely seen as the frontrunner to potentially succeed him. This follows serious internal turmoil within the party triggered by the political fallout from the Epstein-Mandelson scandal, which has significantly undermined Starmer's authority and raised doubts about his future.

The controversy surrounding former minister Peter Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has created a major crisis for Labour leadership. Senior party figures are reportedly distancing themselves from Starmer's management of the affair, revealing deep internal divisions and prompting fundamental questions about governance ...

The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed 36 clinical cases of infants falling ill with symptoms linked to a major recall of specific batches of SMA baby formula. The affected products are suspected of being contaminated with a toxin, prompting an urgent public health investigation and a nationwide safety alert to parents and caregivers.

Infants who consumed the recalled SMA formula have exhibited symptoms consistent with toxin exposure, leading to hospital assessments. Health authorities are actively investigating the source of the contamination within the supply chain to determine the full scope of impacted batches. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding ...

The Bank of England has decided to keep its key interest rate unchanged, maintaining borrowing costs at their highest level in years. This decision reflects the Monetary Policy Committee's ongoing effort to curb inflation, which remains stubbornly above the central bank's 2% target despite a slowdown in the economy. Wage growth and high services inflation are still cited as primary domestic pressures preventing a shift towards rate cuts.

For millions of households, the unchanged rate means continued financial strain. Homeowners, especially those nearing the end of fixed-rate mortgage deals or on variable rates, face higher monthly repayments, adding to the wider ...

Lord Peter Mandelson has resigned from the House of Lords and quit the Labour Party, bowing to intense pressure following the renewed release of files connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation follows a significant escalation in scrutiny, with the Metropolitan Police now investigating Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The criminal probe centres on allegations that he leaked confidential Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Epstein in 2009, a charge that carries a potential life sentence.

The political fallout from the scandal has created a severe crisis for Prime Minister Sir ...