-
What you need to know about visiting Maui after the wildfires
In the days following the deadly wildfires, many Hawaiians told tourists to stay away. But a month later, officials are asking people to return responsibly. It’s been more than a month since wildfires ravaged the Hawaiian island of Maui, claiming at least 115 lives, destroying more than 2,200 buildings and homes and uprooting thousands. In…
-
Why we personify threatening events
As hurricanes Lee and Margot sweep across the US, David Robson looks at why we name the things that threaten us – and whether this is helpful. How do you picture a menace that creeps into your home unannounced and takes your loved ones? In plague-infested Europe, the answer was the skeletal, hooded figure that…
-
New tax divides India’s booming computer games sector
By Kamala Thiagarajan Tech reporter, Madurai, India Charanjot Singh plays football professionally, only he doesn’t wear a pair of boots and run around on a pitch. The 20-year-old instead earns a living playing football computer games, including the tournaments organised by the electronic sports (esports) division of football world governing body Fifa. Back in June,…
-
Inside South Africa’s Operation Dudula vigilantes: ‘Why we hate foreigners’
By Ayanda Charlie in Johannesburg & Tamasin Ford in London BBC Africa Eye South African vigilante group Operation Dudula has become notorious for raiding businesses belonging to foreign nationals and forcing shops to close. BBC Africa Eye has gained rare access to members of the country’s most-prominent anti-migrant street movement. In a school kitchen in…
-
When Britain was gripped by ‘fairy mania’
“Fairycore” may be trending on social media today but 100 years ago supernatural sprites were a national obsession. Holly Williams explores fairy fever. Imagine a fairy. Is the picture that appears in your mind’s eye a tiny, pretty, magical figure – a childish wisp with insect-like wings and a dress made of petals? If…
-
Labour will seek re-write of Brexit deal, Starmer says
By Oliver Slow BBC News Sir Keir Starmer has said he will seek a “much better” Brexit deal with the EU if Labour wins the next general election. The opposition leader told the Financial Times that the current deal, which is due for review in 2025, is “too thin”. Sir Keir was speaking at a…
-
War in Ukraine: Is the counter-offensive making progress?
By Frank Gardner BBC Verify Ukraine’s generals say they have “broken through” Russia’s first line of defence in the south. We’ve assessed how far Ukrainian forces have really progressed, and what signs there are of further breakthroughs along the frontline. Ukraine began its big counter-offensive in early June to push Russian forces back from land…
-
Ryanair and family locked in £165 check-in row
By Ez Roberts Business reporter, BBC News A family is locked in dispute with Ryanair after being charged £165 to check in at the airport and being told by the airline that they had “unchecked themselves”. Damian Lloyd had checked in his family a month in advance, and brought the printed boarding passes to the…
-
Libya: Greek rescuers among those killed in road collision
By Kathryn Armstrong BBC News Four members of a Greek rescue team and three members of a Libyan family have died in a road collision, according to a Libyan official. The rescuers were among a team who were travelling on a bus to the flood-ravaged city of Derna on Sunday when their vehicle collided with…
-
Russell Brand allegations: What is the star accused of?
Russell Brand is facing accusations of rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse over a seven-year period. The actor and comedian is also said to have behaved inappropriately at work during the height of his fame, including by undressing, making sexual remarks and acting aggressively. Brand denies the allegations, revealed in a joint investigation by the…