38 m. ago Iraq’s marshes were considered an Eden. Now the oil industry is sucking them dry

Hawizeh’s wetlands once had abundant fishing and wildlife. In a land threatened by drought and desertification, oil drilling is draining the last of the waterAt dawn, a veil of mist clings to the canals of Hawizeh, where sky and water seem to blur into a mirror. In the stern of a narrow wooden boat, 23-year-old Mustafa Hashim scans the marshes’ shallows, cutting the motor and switching to a traditional pole to avoid snagging on invasive roots or thickening mud.It takes him about half an hour to push through the shrinking marshes to reach Um al-Nea’aj, once a vibrant lake teeming with boats and birdsong. Now, the water is about half a metre deep. Continue reading...

Politics

2 h. ago DC mayor dramatically changes tune on National Guard takeover as she calls for residents to fight back against 'authoritarian push'

Troops with the National Guard arrived into the capital late on Tuesday night in a bid by the White House to curb violent crime.

Events

2 h. ago Scotland's pupils should be 'banned from leaving school at lunchtime' to boost health

Brian Whittle MSP has raised some innovative ideas for boosting pupil health in Scotland’s schools

Events

2 h. ago Church of Scotland sale row intensifies with communities only given weeks to bid

In the last three years, the Church has sold 31 church and hall properties to local groups, but communities across Scotland say they continue to feel betrayed by the sale process.

Politics

2 h. ago The time capsule photos of a 'lucky' Scottish village and its people

There can be few villages in Scotland as well documented as St Monans.

Culture

3 h. ago The Swiss lived in splendid isolation for years. Trump’s tariffs have shattered that complacency | Joseph de Weck

The shockwaves sent by the US president could finally push Switzerland closer to the EUGrowing up in Zurich often felt like being removed from the world. It shouldn’t be that way: after all, Switzerland is at the heart of Europe. Riding on the cosy Zurich trams, one hears all the world’s languages; and the airport offers more direct intercontinental flights than Berlin. And yet, coming of age in Switzerland is like sitting in an aquarium looking at the world through a thick bulletproof window.That glass was shattered last week when Donald Trump announced 39% tariffs on Swiss exports. The US is the most important destination for Swiss products: 18.6% of all its exports go there. If Trump maintains the tariffs, sales to the US “will be effectively annihilated”, said Switzerland’s industry lobbying group. The rightwing Swiss business minister, Guy Parmelin, announced a furlough programme to shield the economy from “mass layoffs”. The tabloid newspaper Blick captured the mood with a sta...

Politics

4 h. ago Recommendations must be implemented after three Scots died in train derailment

"Rail crashes may be rare in 21st - century Scotland, but that is no excuse to allow vigilance to drop."

Events

8 h. ago UK trade envoy to Turkey's trip to Northern Cyprus turns into a full diplomatic row

The Greek Cypriot government condemned the 'unacceptable' trip by Labour's Afzal Khan, piling pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to sack him.

Politics

8 h. ago It's not our fault! Ministers try to dodge blame as number of small

Keir Starmer was slammed for 'incompetence' over the handling of the Channel crisis.

Politics

10 h. ago Keir Starmer to join crucial Ukraine talks with Donald Trump ahead of major Putin summit

Downing Street said the Prime Minister is 'absolutely focused' on a solution to the conflict - now in its third year - but insisted it must be 'grounded in Ukraine's national interests'

Politics

13 h. ago If stopping the boats were simple, it would have happened by now

Editorial: With the number of people who have crossed the Channel on small boats since Keir Starmer came to power passing 50,000, it is a reminder that, during the election, Labour gave the impression it had a plan to fix the problem of irregular migration. But that is not to decry their efforts so far

Politics

13 h. ago Alexander Isak’s rental home on market amid push for move to Liverpool from Newcastle

Removal vans seen at player’s Ponteland residenceStriker made to train alone as he seeks exitThe house Alexander Isak has been living in just outside Newcastle is back on the rental market. The striker is trying to secure a move to Liverpool and it emerged on Tuesday that new tenants are being sought.Removal vans have been sighted at Isak’s Ponteland home, which is understood to have been put on the market some weeks ago. The Sweden international started renting the property after he joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022. Continue reading...

Society

14 h. ago BBC Radio Scotland’s Bryan Burnett to return to airwaves after cancer treatment

The Get It On presenter has been undergoing appendix cancer treatment.

Events

14 h. ago JD Vance in Scotland: Police prepare as US Vice President set to arrive at luxury Ayrshire estate this week

The US Vice President is expected to stay at Carnell Estates

Politics

14 h. ago Fresh blow to Starmer as Labour's approval rating slumps to its lowest EVER level

Labour's net approval rating under Keir Starmer slipped to -55, according to YouGov polling. It comes amid concerns about the number of small boats arrivals, the economy and justice.

Politics

15 h. ago Starmer accused of ‘abject failure’ as people smuggling arrests fall under Labour

National Crime Agency arrests for people smuggling went down last year, as the new Labour government promised more resources to target immigration crime.

Events

15 h. ago Urgent warning after synthetic opioids linked to 38 deaths in Scotland over just three months

Between January and March 2025, nitazenes were detected in 38 deaths

Events

15 h. ago DANIEL HANNAN: Keir Starmer's taking us for fools on foreign criminals. There's only one answer... even if no one wants to hear it

'If you come to this country and commit a crime, we will deport you as soon as possible,' declares Starmer, in what is meant to be a manly tone. Hmmm. Note that qualifier, 'as soon as possible'.

Events

15 h. ago Scotland weather: Temperatures to soar to 29C in some parts as week of warm weather continues

Kelso, in the Scottish Borders, is expected to reach 29C on Wednesday.

Events

16 h. ago JD Vance accused of 'lying about Scotland' as US Vice President set for stay at luxury Ayrshire estate

Vance and his family are on a private holiday to the UK and are expected to arrive in Scotland on Wednesday.

Politics