13 h. ago From Gaza prisoner to ‘the Israeli agent’: how rise of Abu Shabab could ignite new phase of war

In email exchange, leader of clan that Israel acknowledges arming blames Hamas for war and for looting of aid trucksOn 7 October 2023, Yasser abu Shabab was languishing in a Hamas-run jail in Gaza on charges of drug trafficking. With the outbreak of the conflict, the Palestinian from Rafah managed to leave prison, though the circumstances of his release remain unclear to this day.For a while, Abu Shabab vanished from sight. That changed last week when Israeli defence officials acknowledged they had begun arming a clan that calls itself the Anti-Terror Service. It consists of about 100 armed men who operate in eastern Rafah under the command of Abu Shabab, whose nickname is “the Israeli agent” and who is described as a “traitor” on social media in the territory. Continue reading...

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61 h. ago Pulp review – Jarvis Cocker’s captivating comeback turns a rapt crowd rapturous

OVO Hydro, GlasgowOn a kitschy 1970s chatshow set, the Sheffield band play hits from across their career – and fans welcome their just-released album tracks like old friendsA thick velvet curtain cocoons the stage as a cool disembodied voice projects over the audience: “This is an encore. An encore occurs because the audience wants more.” Since their initial breakup in 2002, Pulp have re-formed twice, for sold-out tours and festival sets played to loyal, rapturous audiences. Tonight, the stakes are higher: for the first time in 24 years, Pulp have a new album, More, released just one day before tonight’s opening show. The audience want more – but do they want More?Any anxiety about new material is quashed when set opener and comeback single Spike Island is received like an old friend. Jarvis Cocker rises from the back of the stage flanked by cardboard cutouts of his bandmates – recognisable from the cover of 1995’s Different Class – before joining their real-life counterparts, guita...

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67 h. ago Paul McCartney was 'nearly killed' during most chilling encounter of career

Paul McCartney released one of his most celebrated albums on this day in 1973, but recording it proved to be costly as he was 'nearly killed' while working on the record

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4 d. ago Turnstile review – punk crossover quintet bring the heat to Brooklyn

Under the K Bridge, Brooklyn, New YorkOn the year’s hottest day, the band of the moment celebrated their new album with a buoyant live show featuring a surprise special guestIt’s only fitting that “Turnstile summer” – coined by Charli xcx herself – would kick off on Brooklyn’s hottest day yet. About 9,000 sweaty people crammed Under the K Bridge (yes, it’s literally under the Kosciuszko Bridge) on the 86F day to celebrate the release of the hardcore band’s new album, Never Enough.And there was plenty to celebrate for the Baltimore-based group, who have found themselves on the edge of the mainstream. Following their 2021 album Glow On, where frontman Brendan Yates traded in some screaming for singing over a blend of heavy riffs, soul and even dream pop, Turnstile has picked up three Grammy nominations, opened for Blink-182, received the aforementioned Charli xcx shoutout at Coachella and, this past week, found themselves on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show to promote Never Enough. Continu...

Politics

4 d. ago Probe into murder of 'Good Samaritan' dad could expose 'systemic failings'

"Good Samaritan" Alan Geddes was killed by Stuart Quinn after he let Quinn stay at his home a day after he was released from prison.

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5 d. ago Tommy Robinson pleads not guilty to harassment just days after prison release

The far-right activist has been dragged back to court just nine days after his prison release as he pleads not guilty to harassing two journalists and causing fear of violence

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5 d. ago LIVE: Rail chaos with one line shut and emergency measures imposed on major route

Trains are being delayed and cancelled across Greater Manchester

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6 d. ago Nintendo’s Switch 2 is the upgrade of my dreams – but it’s not as ‘new’ as some might hope

The long-trailed console offers sturdier hardware, improved graphics and seamless online functionality. But it’s more of an update than a revolutionLaunch week is finally here, and though I would love to be bringing you a proper review of the Nintendo Switch 2 in this week’s newsletter, I still don’t have one at the time of writing. In its wisdom, Nintendo has decided not to send review units out until the day before release, so as you read this I will be standing impatiently by the door like a dog anxiously awaiting its owner.I have played the console, though, for a whole day at Nintendo’s offices, so I can give you some first impressions. Hardware-wise, it is the upgrade of my dreams: sturdier JoyCons, a beautiful screen, the graphical muscle to make games look as good as I want them to in 2025 (though still not comparable to the high-end PlayStation 5 Pro or a modern gaming PC). I like the understated pops of colour on the controllers, the refined menu with its soothing chimes an...

Politics

7 d. ago Shocking moment 'controlling' boyfriend hurls abuse at sobbing girlfriend in doorbell footage as brute who monitored victim's TikTok is recalled to prison

'Controlling' Matthew Kowal, 34, was released early from prison under a government scheme to ease overcrowding, but was recalled within two months for breaching a no-contact order.

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7 d. ago Whisky experts release Father's Day malt with less than 500 bottles available

A limited-edition dram has been launched in honour of the annual holiday.

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7 d. ago Nintendo Switch 2 live: Your final chance to preorder a console for launch day

Releasing in a matter of days, here’s how you can secure a console on launch day

Politics

9 d. ago Legendary wrestler released by WWE just days after facing John Cena in main event

Wrestling icon Ronnie Aaron Killings, who goes by the name R-Truth and fought John Cena just last week, has devastated his legions of fans by announcing that he is being let go by WWE

Politics

1 week ago Convicted Arizona murderer back behind bars after killing second victim 16 days after release

Clifton Nez Hamalowa , 47, ‘considered a career offender because of his lengthy history of violence’ say prosecutors

Events

1 week ago Hamas ‘thoroughly reviewing’ Israel’s response to US ceasefire proposal

Draft reportedly includes release of 28 hostages in first week, 60-day ceasefire and aid for Gaza when deal signed offHamas has received Israel’s response to a US proposal for a Gaza ceasefire deal and is “thoroughly reviewing” it, even though the response does not meet any of the Palestinians’ “just and legitimate demands”, one of the militant group’s officials has said.On Thursday, the White House said Israel had agreed to the US truce proposal, and Hamas said it was reviewing the plan, although it described the agreement as more biased in favour of Israel than previous proposals. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago One Oasis album still splits fans' opinions 20 years on from release

Oasis released their sixth studio album on this day 20 years ago - and it still splits fans on whether it is a quality release, with some fans calling it an underrated gem

Politics

1 week ago Hamas says US ceasefire plan accepted by Israel does not meet demands to end war in Gaza

Draft reportedly includes release of 28 hostages in first week, a 60-day ceasefire and aid for Gaza as soon as deal signed offIsrael has agreed to a US ceasefire proposal for Gaza, the White House has said, and Hamas said it was reviewing the plan although its terms did not meet the group’s demands.As a US-backed system for distributing food in the shattered territory expanded, Israeli media reported that prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told the families of hostages held in Gaza that Israel had accepted a deal presented by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Julie Chrisley debuts dramatic jail makeover after controversial Trump pardon saw her and husband Todd freed

Julie Chrisley looked worlds away from her polished reality star days as she debuted a dramatic new look hours after her release from prison following President Trump's pardon.

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1 week ago Netanyahu says Israel accepts US ceasefire plan in Gaza as Hamas says it is examining proposal

The proposal by Witkoff would reportedly see Palestinian militant group Hamas release of ten living hostages, 60 days of truce and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the embattled Strip

Politics

1 week ago Download Festival 2025: What are the most valuable releases from this year’s headliners, including Green Day?

Could an item in one of these Download 2025 headliner’s collection be amongst your prized collection?

Politics

1 week ago Todd and Julie Chrisley RELEASED from prison after controversial Trump pardon

Todd and Julie Chrisley have officially been released from prison just one day after President Donald Trump pardoned them.

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