‘Profiting from misery’: how TikTok makes money from child begging livestreams Exploitation fears as people in extreme poverty perform stunts and beg for virtual gifts The Guardian - UK · Apr 6, 2025
A note of thanks to Simon Tisdall In his last Observer column, he outlined an interesting proposition for the UK – a unified Europe rejuvenated by the new world era of Donald Trump The Guardian - UK · Apr 6, 2025
Keir Starmer orders UK economic reset amid Donald Trump’s tariff mayhem PM ready to ditch ‘old assumptions’ and is debating possible changes to fiscal rules to boost growth The Guardian - UK · Apr 5, 2025
‘It was filthy, horrible work’: actors Paul and Stephen McGann reveal how their great uncle survived the Titanic New podcast series will show what coal-trimmers had to endure as they powered the ill-fated ship in 1912 The Guardian - UK · Apr 5, 2025
‘It’s About Censorship, Erasure, and Control’: the GOP’s Push for Parental Rights It’s part of a new right-wing project to control public schools. Texas Observer · Apr 3, 2025
Carlton Carl, 1945-2025 Carlton was a patriot, feminist, Democrat, journalist, bibliophile, philanthropist, entrepreneur, art enthusiast, history buff, and more. He was a staunch supporter of his family and community, of organizations including the Observer, and of the town of Martindale. Texas Observer · Apr 1, 2025
What we’re reading: writers and readers on the books they enjoyed in March Authors and Guardian readers discuss the titles they have read over the last month. Join the conversation in the comments The Guardian - UK · Apr 1, 2025
Texas’ AI-Powered Surveillance Arsenal Has Ballooned. Proposed Laws Provide Few Guardrails. Operation Lone Star has turbocharged DPS’ surveillance capabilities. Lawmakers say they want to prevent Texas from becoming a police state but have filed only modest legislation to regulate use of AI. Texas Observer · Mar 31, 2025
Gatsby by Jane Crowther; The Gatsby Gambit by Claire Anderson-Wheeler – Jay’s eternal hold Two enjoyable debut novels put fresh meat on Fitzgerald’s deathless classic – one a modern-day retelling in which Gatsby becomes a female influencer, another a pacy murder mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie The Guardian - UK · Mar 31, 2025
Is it safe? Is it spying? Disquiet over NHS ‘magic eye’ surveillance camera in mental health units Campaign calls for investigation into the use of Oxevison amid concerns over care and its effect on patients The Guardian - UK · Mar 30, 2025
Keir Starmer urged to get tough with Trump as US tariff threat looms PM told to be as robust as Canada with the US president as the UK stages last-ditch talks to strike trade deal The Guardian - UK · Mar 29, 2025
Britain has been paying a high price for Uncle Sam’s craziness. It’s time to turn to Europe In his final column, the Observer’s foreign affairs commentator says America under Trump is not the first time it has caused trouble for allies The Guardian - UK · Mar 29, 2025
Gold leaf and Gatsby: Brussels lays claim to birth of art deco with year of celebrations Throughout 2025, the Belgian capital is marking 100 years of the movement with events, exhibitions and film screenings The Guardian - UK · Mar 29, 2025
‘My target is those who have looted my banks’: Bangladesh’s bank governor chases vanished assets Despite attempts to discredit him, the central bank governor is determined to trace the guilty with the UK’s help The Guardian - UK · Mar 29, 2025
Texas Observer · Mar 27, 2025 Congressman Denounces ICE Response About Prosecutor Operating Racist X Account In response to the Observer’s reporting, U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey demanded answers he has yet to fully receive—while ICE refuses to clarify the prosecutor’s current job status.
The Guardian - UK · Mar 25, 2025 Michael Ratcliffe obituary Literary editor and chief book reviewer of the Times who later joined the Observer as its theatre critic
The Guardian - UK · Mar 24, 2025 A Climate of Truth by Mike Berners-Lee review – a white-hot takedown of environmental policy The climate professor is justified in identifying the thinktanks, fossil fuel companies and politicians responsible for exacerbating the climate crisis but his list of remedies is underpowered
The Guardian - UK · Mar 23, 2025 Prosecutors told to do more to strip ‘revenge porn’ abusers of victim images New CPS guidance aims to boost use of deprivation orders after Observer revealed systemic failings
The Guardian - UK · Mar 23, 2025 There’s No Time Like the Present by Paul B Rainey review – a funny, unpredictable and wild comic Three characters stuck in the past are given access to the future in the former Observer/Faber prize winner’s mordant and misanthropic sci-fi graphic novel
The Guardian - UK · Mar 23, 2025 Women seeking asylum in UK allege sexual abuse in mixed-sex hotels Claims of sexual violence made against other asylum seekers and staff include case of a 14-year-old who was allegedly raped
The Guardian - UK · Mar 23, 2025 Universality by Natasha Brown review – a fabulous fable about the politics of storytelling A terrific second novel from the British author of Assembly examines what it means to be truthful – and who really benefits when facts come to light
The Guardian - UK · Mar 23, 2025 ‘I’ve been getting 100 messages a day’: Church of Scientology accused of intimidating UK critics Campaigners face online attacks, claims of criminality and complaints to employers. The Church says it’s the victim
The Guardian - UK · Mar 23, 2025 Ye of little faith? The tax loophole that turns old pubs into places of worship A complex corporate network is enabling big landlords to avoid business rates by claiming religious exemption – and costing cash-strapped councils millions
The Guardian - UK · Mar 22, 2025 A new MP for Runcorn? Bring on Reform, say disillusioned voters As the town prepares for a byelection after Labour’s Mike Amesbury quits, locals say it is time for a change
The Guardian - UK · Mar 22, 2025 From one crisis to another: rugby league in dire need of real leadership Clubs ousting the RFL chair and demanding a third review in eight years is a retrograde step