The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
video
Lebanese minister blames Israel after militia’s ‘biggest security breach yet’
At least nine people were killed in Lebanon and more than 2,800 others injured, including Hezbollah fighters, medics and Iran’s envoy to Beirut, when radio communication devices used by members of the militia exploded in its “biggest security breach” yet. More than 200 of those injured were in a critical condition, said the Lebanese government. Its health ministry said...At least nine people were killed in Lebanon and more than 2,800 others injured, including...At least nine people were killed in Lebanon and more than 2,800 others injured, including...
richard spencer
Mossad, the Israeli foreign intelligence service, won its reputation for ruthlessness through its determination to...Mossad, the Israeli foreign intelligence service, won its reputation for ruthlessness through its determination to hunt down Israel’s enemies around the world. Adolf Eichmann, who designed Hitler’s Final Solution, was kidnapped from Argentina. The men who carried out the Munich Olympics massacre of Israeli athletes...Mossad, the Israeli foreign intelligence service, won its reputation for ruthlessness through its determination to hunt down...
My Culture Fix
A two-hour-and-43-minute slog in Seoul was not at all pretty, but Emma Raducanu was mightily relieved to walk off the...A two-hour-and-43-minute slog in Seoul was not at all pretty, but Emma Raducanu was mightily...A two-hour-and-43-minute slog in Seoul was not at all pretty, but Emma Raducanu was mightily...
Interview
Dr Eliza Filby lives in Tooting, south London, an area that 30 years ago was firmly working class, but is now...Dr Eliza Filby lives in Tooting, south London, an area that 30 years ago was firmly working class...Dr Eliza Filby lives in Tooting, south London, an area that 30 years ago was firmly working class...
Vincent van Gogh is remembered for his extraordinary art and tempestuous mind — but a new study suggests he also had an uncanny grasp of the patterns seen in some of the most elusive laws of physics. Painted by the Dutch artist in 1889, The Starry...Vincent van Gogh is remembered for his extraordinary art and tempestuous mind — but a new study...Vincent van Gogh is remembered for his extraordinary art and tempestuous mind — but a new study...
A mother has recounted “losing” herself in a desperate search for answers after her baby daughter was murdered by...A mother has recounted “losing” herself in a desperate search for answers after her baby daughter...A mother has recounted “losing” herself in a desperate search for answers after her baby daughter...
Further taxes on sugar and alcohol must be imposed to prevent a surge in long-term sickness that will cost taxpayers...Further taxes on sugar and alcohol must be imposed to prevent a surge in long-term sickness that...Further taxes on sugar and alcohol must be imposed to prevent a surge in long-term sickness that...
Winston Churchill is being elevated into the company of Caravaggio and Grayson Perry after one of the country’s leading institutions announced the first British exhibition of the former prime minister’s artworks since his death. The Wallace...Winston Churchill is being elevated into the company of Caravaggio and Grayson Perry after one of...Winston Churchill is being elevated into the company of Caravaggio and Grayson Perry after one of...
A teenager who admits killing a 16-year-old boy during a New Year’s Eve celebration has told a court he carried a...A teenager who admits killing a 16-year-old boy during a New Year’s Eve celebration has told a...A teenager who admits killing a 16-year-old boy during a New Year’s Eve celebration has told a...
the times diary
It is not all tribal rancour in parliament. In a display of cross-party affection, the Tory MP for Hamble Valley...It is not all tribal rancour in parliament. In a display of cross-party affection, the Tory MP...It is not all tribal rancour in parliament. In a display of cross-party affection, the Tory MP...
President Putin is unifying an authoritarian power axis of China, Iran and North Korea around his war in Ukraine, leaving Moscow increasingly beholden to Beijing, Nato’s chief has told The Times. “Russia is mortgaging its future to Beijing, and is, of course, not getting this for free,” explained...President Putin is unifying an authoritarian power axis of China, Iran and North Korea around his war in Ukraine, leaving Moscow increasingly beholden to Beijing, Nato’s chief has told The Times. “Russia is mortgaging its future to Beijing, and is, of course, not getting this for free,” explained...President Putin is unifying an authoritarian power axis of China, Iran and North Korea around his war in Ukraine, leaving...
Dominique Pelicot, the 71-year-old Frenchman on trial for subjecting his wife to a decade of rape by dozens of men, has admitted all the charges and begged for forgiveness while blaming childhood trauma for turning him “perverse”. Testifying for the first time at his trial in Avignon, Pelicot voiced remorse for inviting the men, said by...Dominique Pelicot, the 71-year-old Frenchman on trial for subjecting his wife to a decade of rape by dozens of men, has admitted all the charges and begged for forgiveness while blaming childhood trauma for turning him “perverse”. Testifying for the first time at his trial in Avignon, Pelicot voiced remorse for inviting the men, said by...Dominique Pelicot, the 71-year-old Frenchman on trial for subjecting his wife to a decade of rape by dozens of men, has...
South Korea’s birthrate has fallen so low that people now buy more pushchairs for dogs than for children. In Japan, where nearly a third of the population are over the age of 65, nappy-makers earn more from pads for the elderly than for infants. One of the largest companies recently said it would stop selling baby...South Korea’s birthrate has fallen so low that people now buy more pushchairs for dogs than for...South Korea’s birthrate has fallen so low that people now buy more pushchairs for dogs than for...
analysis
The Trump family has taken a leap into cryptocurrency as it vows to “make finance great again” with a new business venture: World Liberty Financial. The former president and his sons, Donald Jr and Eric, unveiled the business on X amid concerns about a potential conflict of interest should Trump take back the White House in November. “Crypto is one of those things we...The Trump family has taken a leap into cryptocurrency as it vows to “make finance great again”...The Trump family has taken a leap into cryptocurrency as it vows to “make finance great again”...
A British deep-sea pilot who was fired for speaking up about the dangers of OceanGate’s Titan submersible was placed...A British deep-sea pilot who was fired for speaking up about the dangers of OceanGate’s Titan submersible was placed under federal whistleblower protection after the company turned on him in retaliation, a US coastguard inquiry was told. Speaking publicly for the first time since the disaster last year in which five...A British deep-sea pilot who was fired for speaking up about the dangers of OceanGate’s Titan submersible was placed under...
letter from delhi
After a long day at work, and visiting a relative in hospital, Satish Sharma hopped on to his scooter to finally go...After a long day at work, and visiting a relative in hospital, Satish Sharma hopped on to his...After a long day at work, and visiting a relative in hospital, Satish Sharma hopped on to his...
After the British comedian John Oliver had thanked television colleagues, his wife and his children, he began...After the British comedian John Oliver had thanked television colleagues, his wife and his...After the British comedian John Oliver had thanked television colleagues, his wife and his...
Sydney Akgun was passing Ben and Jerry’s when she decided she was in the mood for a waffle cone. She did not want the ice cream, she told the server, just the cone it came in. That would be $2, the server replied, before swivelling the payment...Sydney Akgun was passing Ben and Jerry’s when she decided she was in the mood for a waffle cone.Sydney Akgun was passing Ben and Jerry’s when she decided she was in the mood for a waffle cone.
Philip Morris International has offloaded Vectura for just £150 million, three years after its contentious £1 billion acquisition of the respiratory drugs company triggered a backlash from the public health sector. The maker of Marlboro cigarettes has sold the Chippenham-based company to Molex, a...Philip Morris International has offloaded Vectura for just £150 million, three years after its contentious £1 billion acquisition of the respiratory drugs company triggered a backlash from the public health sector. The maker of Marlboro cigarettes has sold the Chippenham-based company to Molex, a...Philip Morris International has offloaded Vectura for just £150 million, three years after its contentious £1 billion...
Guardian Media Group is in talks to sell The Observer to the online news outlet Tortoise Media after operating losses at the company’s parent widened to £43.5 million. The Observer, which is the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, is set to be transformed into a subscription business if it is bought by the start-up established by James Harding...Guardian Media Group is in talks to sell The Observer to the online news outlet Tortoise Media after operating losses at the company’s parent widened to £43.5 million. The Observer, which is the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, is set to be transformed into a subscription business if it is bought by the start-up established by James Harding...Guardian Media Group is in talks to sell The Observer to the online news outlet Tortoise Media after operating losses at the...
BlackRock is teaming up with Microsoft to launch a fund that aims to invest up to $100 billion in data centres and energy infrastructure needed to support the artificial intelligence boom. The partnership will initially seek to attract $30 billion of private equity capital from investors, asset owners and corporations.BlackRock is teaming up with Microsoft to launch a fund that aims to invest up to $100 billion in...BlackRock is teaming up with Microsoft to launch a fund that aims to invest up to $100 billion in...
The struggling online company THG is planning to sell off its technology services arm and switch the listing of its core beauty and nutrition business in an effort to boost its flagging share price. The business, formerly known as The Hut Group...The struggling online company THG is planning to sell off its technology services arm and switch...The struggling online company THG is planning to sell off its technology services arm and switch...
tempus
Lower interest rates should work in favour of infrastructure funds, as their chunky dividend yields begin to look...Lower interest rates should work in favour of infrastructure funds, as their chunky dividend...Lower interest rates should work in favour of infrastructure funds, as their chunky dividend...
market report
There was a difference of opinion in companies that operate as part of the housing sector with Headlam Group, the...There was a difference of opinion in companies that operate as part of the housing sector with...There was a difference of opinion in companies that operate as part of the housing sector with...
business commentary
When GOD himself and Jim O’Neill, a deity from the economics firmament, interject, perhaps we all have to listen. Gus...When GOD himself and Jim O’Neill, a deity from the economics firmament, interject, perhaps we all...When GOD himself and Jim O’Neill, a deity from the economics firmament, interject, perhaps we all...
mehreen khan
The incoming leadership of the European Commission was given two important looks into its past and future last week.The incoming leadership of the European Commission was given two important looks into its past...The incoming leadership of the European Commission was given two important looks into its past...
Centamin will be the latest goldminer to leave the London stock market once its £1.9 billion takeover deal with AngloGold Ashanti completes. As the price of gold breaks record highs and London’s miners languish at big discounts, this takeover is...Centamin will be the latest goldminer to leave the London stock market once its £1.9 billion...Centamin will be the latest goldminer to leave the London stock market once its £1.9 billion...
comment
After three years at a very high level, inflation finally returned to target. In the 25 years before the recent surge...After three years at a very high level, inflation finally returned to target. In the 25 years...After three years at a very high level, inflation finally returned to target. In the 25 years...
More industries across Britain’s economy were hiring than at any time in the past 16 months in August, according to...More industries across Britain’s economy were hiring than at any time in the past 16 months in...More industries across Britain’s economy were hiring than at any time in the past 16 months in...
Cybercrime
SIX FROM THE BEST
As a woman at the forefront of tech-enabled firms, Hannah Seal managed eBay’s consumer marketplace and set up the general merchandise business for Ocado. Now a partner at Index Ventures, she specialises in backing visionary entrepreneurs. Here she shares her advice for business leaders as they grow their companies. 1. Embrace “spikes”. Focus on people’s...As a woman at the forefront of tech-enabled firms, Hannah Seal managed eBay’s consumer...As a woman at the forefront of tech-enabled firms, Hannah Seal managed eBay’s consumer...
recruitment
Forget plush penthouse office suites or imposing designer desks, the latest CEO must-have is a personal executive coach.Forget plush penthouse office suites or imposing designer desks, the latest CEO must-have is a personal executive coach. In the USA, an estimated 25 to 40 per cent of Fortune 500 companies invest in executive coaching for their leaders, with stellar business names from Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to the former Google CEO...Forget plush penthouse office suites or imposing designer desks, the latest CEO must-have is a personal executive coach. In the...
champions league | james gheerbrant
AC Milan 1 Liverpool 3
newAfter the sting of a first defeat under Arne Slot, a Champions League tie against AC Milan provided the perfect setting for what football writers like to call an emphatic response. But to characterise this victory as that would be to undersell its most impressive quality. This was an utterly professional and composed performance by a Liverpool team not clouded by a...After the sting of a first defeat under Arne Slot, a Champions League tie against AC Milan...After the sting of a first defeat under Arne Slot, a Champions League tie against AC Milan...
martin samuel
He used to be one of the sensible ones, Anthony Taylor. His name on a big game was a guarantee of quality. Not that...He used to be one of the sensible ones, Anthony Taylor. His name on a big game was a guarantee of quality. Not that he’d get every decision right, or to your liking, because refereeing isn’t like that. Taylor, however, offered protection against extremes. Nothing irrational would happen. Nothing that couldn’t be...He used to be one of the sensible ones, Anthony Taylor. His name on a big game was a guarantee of quality. Not that he’d get...
Champions League | ian hawkey
Some charming vistas await the — small — number of Liverpool and Arsenal supporters who, by the time an elongated...Some charming vistas await the — small — number of Liverpool and Arsenal supporters who, by the...Some charming vistas await the — small — number of Liverpool and Arsenal supporters who, by the...
Champions League | michael grant
Celtic have just released the sort of annual accounts which could leave their Slovakian visitors on Wednesday night...Celtic have just released the sort of annual accounts which could leave their Slovakian visitors...Celtic have just released the sort of annual accounts which could leave their Slovakian visitors...
Rick Broadbent
For a man who is a punch away from career oblivion, Anthony Joshua is cutting an uber-relaxed figure in the build-up to his clash with Daniel Dubois. As usual, the two-times world heavyweight champion is in pristine physical condition, but he says...For a man who is a punch away from career oblivion, Anthony Joshua is cutting an uber-relaxed...For a man who is a punch away from career oblivion, Anthony Joshua is cutting an uber-relaxed...
New York Fashion Week proved it, but you don’t have to go the full Sex and the City to bring your wardrobe A game
Interview
The Bank of Mum and Dad? No, Eliza Filby’s Tooting ‘wreck’ was in their property portfolio, she tells Julia Llewellyn Smith
The government’s backing working from home. So which tribe are you, asks Stuart Heritage
first person
The twice-divorced TV presenter is having the time of her life. But for male grey daters, new midlife relationships are more complicated, says Simon Mills
In his new memoir, the Princess of Wales’s brother describes his parents’ reaction to his depression — and how a psychiatrist helped him
review
You can throw all the outrage you like at Donald Trump, but you can’t say he doesn’t warn us. Back in 2020, some weeks before he lost the election and began his petulant campaign to discredit American democracy — essentially, him crossing his arms...You can throw all the outrage you like at Donald Trump, but you can’t say he doesn’t warn us.You can throw all the outrage you like at Donald Trump, but you can’t say he doesn’t warn us.
My Culture Fix
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I’ve never read a book where I could relate to a main character more — she...Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I’ve never read a book where I could relate to a main...Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I’ve never read a book where I could relate to a main...
Review
‘Nothing is going to put butts on seats faster than a symphony by an eight-year-old.” You cannot accuse Mozart: Rise...‘Nothing is going to put butts on seats faster than a symphony by an eight-year-old.” You cannot...‘Nothing is going to put butts on seats faster than a symphony by an eight-year-old.” You cannot...
When I saw the Booker prize shortlist — the strongest in years, for my money — I almost didn’t notice the most obvious theme. Five out of the six authors who have made the cut are women. So commonplace has it become for females to dominate prize lists, I momentarily overlooked this historical shift. This is the largest number in Booker’s 55-year history. And yet there’s...When I saw the Booker prize shortlist — the strongest in years, for my money — I almost didn’t...When I saw the Booker prize shortlist — the strongest in years, for my money — I almost didn’t...
If your thighs are so sore after a workout that you are forced to walk backwards downstairs, it’s a sure sign you...If your thighs are so sore after a workout that you are forced to walk backwards downstairs, it’s a sure sign you have overworked your quadriceps muscles at the front of your thigh. “You will often feel it after faster exercise, HIIT or if you have done a lot of downhill running or walking which loads the quads,”...If your thighs are so sore after a workout that you are forced to walk backwards downstairs, it’s a sure sign you have...
first night review
Wagner has become the Saffron Opera Group’s special thing, so for its tenth anniversary, they gave us a passionate performance of his midsummer comedy
first night review
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
first night review
On Monday morning, the finishing touches were still being made to Michael Craig-Martin’s retrospective at the Royal Academy. In the first room, a still-life tableau was laid out: tape measure, Stanley knife, spirit level, masking tape, squirty...On Monday morning, the finishing touches were still being made to Michael Craig-Martin’s...On Monday morning, the finishing touches were still being made to Michael Craig-Martin’s...
MINDGAMES
MindGames
Viewing GUide
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
Television
TELEVISION
Whether you are a flashy design lover, craft connoisseur or Euro technocrat, there is a luxury backpack for everyone
emma freud
Emma Freud on the pleasures of maturity, including chatting to birds and the perfect cheese toastie
Chiara Brown rounds up the oddest celebrity knick-knacks to go under the hammer, from Freddie Mercury’s moustache comb to Winston Churchill’s false teeth
Gavanndra Hodge
Switch to EV mode when you’re cruising through a rural village and you’re able to hear the birds sing
Once the freshers week fog fades, your fledgling student will be ready for a visit. Don’t miss these things to do and eat in Cambridge, Cardiff and more. Remember, you’ll be paying
video
Vilnius has affordable Michelin-starred dining with a side order of history. Linger for a weekend to find out why it does so well in the World Happiness Report
Now’s the time to plan ahead for your Christmas travels – and this easy trip to Belgium’s Renaissance city packs in culture, history and all your meals for just over £300
video
Arty Folkestone is the latest contender for the crown of coolest Kent town, thanks to street food, speakeasies and a shiny new place to stay
Thailand
Heading to the Land of Smiles but can’t decide which islands to include on your travels? Whether you want uber-luxe or cheap chic, our expert pick is all you need
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
video
There’s really no bad time to visit the Spanish capital. Madrid, the hub of culture and powerhouse of tradition, is magical in summer — but you can enjoy its brilliant cuisine (including some of the world’s best tapas), art galleries, pristine...There’s really no bad time to visit the Spanish capital. Madrid, the hub of culture and...There’s really no bad time to visit the Spanish capital. Madrid, the hub of culture and...
video
The Times has been publishing life stories of the great and the good (and the not so good) for more than 170 years. Now the obituary is also becoming a podcast, explains Anna Temkin
IF YOU belong to Christ Jesus, you won’t be punished. The Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus...IF YOU belong to Christ Jesus, you won’t be punished. The Holy Spirit will give you life that...IF YOU belong to Christ Jesus, you won’t be punished. The Holy Spirit will give you life that...
weather eye
Operation Market Garden began 80 years ago, the Allied attempt to make an airborne attack behind German lines around Arnhem in the Netherlands and then spearhead an attack into Germany and end the Second World War in Europe by Christmas. It was...Operation Market Garden began 80 years ago, the Allied attempt to make an airborne attack behind...Operation Market Garden began 80 years ago, the Allied attempt to make an airborne attack behind...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Poll shows Anas Sarwar’s party falling behind SNP as Reform makes ground
newLabour has fallen significantly behind the SNP after its decision to cut winter fuel payments, a poll has found. The survey of voting intentions for the next Holyrood election would severely damage Anas Sarwar’s prospects of forming a Labour government in Scotland for the first time since 2007.Labour has fallen significantly behind the SNP after its decision to cut winter fuel payments, a poll has found. The survey of voting intentions for the next Holyrood election would severely damage Anas Sarwar’s prospects of forming a Labour government in Scotland for the first time since 2007.Labour has fallen significantly behind the SNP after its decision to cut winter fuel payments, a poll has found. The survey of...
Glasgow has submitted a formal rescue package to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026, the Scottish government has confirmed. Almost exactly a decade after it last hosted the Games, Scotland’s largest city put forward a package to bail out the event. The Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts last year, citing a rise in estimated...Glasgow has submitted a formal rescue package to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026, the Scottish government has confirmed. Almost exactly a decade after it last hosted the Games, Scotland’s largest city put forward a package to bail out the event. The Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts last year, citing a rise in estimated...Glasgow has submitted a formal rescue package to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026, the Scottish government has confirmed.
A missing hiker who had not been heard from for almost a week has been found safe and well beside a loch after getting lost. Paul Conway, 67, from the Newcastle area, had travelled to the Highlands on September 10 and planned to complete a walk between Glenfinnan and Inverie in Knoydart. He last spoke to his family...A missing hiker who had not been heard from for almost a week has been found safe and well beside...A missing hiker who had not been heard from for almost a week has been found safe and well beside...
Scottish Independence
Scottish business digest
Champions League | michael grant
Celtic have just released the sort of annual accounts which could leave their Slovakian visitors on Wednesday night...Celtic have just released the sort of annual accounts which could leave their Slovakian visitors...Celtic have just released the sort of annual accounts which could leave their Slovakian visitors...
A businessman who imported and sold £90,000 of cannabis that was not capable of getting people high has been spared...A businessman who imported and sold £90,000 of cannabis that was not capable of getting people...A businessman who imported and sold £90,000 of cannabis that was not capable of getting people...
Mark Palmer
These are, of course, very early days in life after Matt O’Riley, but the initial indications are that Celtic may have closed the transfer window with a more complete, more varied suite of midfield options than when the £30million man was still aboard. Two new midfielders — Arne Engels and Luke McCowan — joined on the final day of summer trading, and having made a...These are, of course, very early days in life after Matt O’Riley, but the initial indications are...These are, of course, very early days in life after Matt O’Riley, but the initial indications are...
SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
St Johnstone have parted company with manager Craig Levein following a run of four consecutive defeats. The...St Johnstone have parted company with manager Craig Levein following a run of four consecutive defeats. The 59-year-old former Hearts, Leicester, Dundee United and Scotland manager succeeded Steven MacLean in early November last year and helped the Perth side avoid finishing in the bottom two of the Premiership last...St Johnstone have parted company with manager Craig Levein following a run of four consecutive defeats. The 59-year-old former...
The cost of homes in Scotland’s upmarket coastal towns is soaring, according to new research. Golden sands, fresh air, outdoor pursuits and world class links golf courses are among the factors pushing prices higher. Analysis by Rettie, the estate...The cost of homes in Scotland’s upmarket coastal towns is soaring, according to new research.The cost of homes in Scotland’s upmarket coastal towns is soaring, according to new research.
Mark Palmer | URC
Scotland’s ancient universities have ditched freshers’ weeks, long regarded as alcohol-fuelled rites of passage, in favour of gentler and more sober introductions to academic life. Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews and Aberdeen, as well as Dundee...Scotland’s ancient universities have ditched freshers’ weeks, long regarded as alcohol-fuelled...Scotland’s ancient universities have ditched freshers’ weeks, long regarded as alcohol-fuelled...
Comment
Why this election could push US to the brink
Daniel Finkelstein
The consequences of a disputed outcome, let alone an assassination, would be disastrous in such a febrile atmosphere
alice thomson
Working from home is no life for the young
newroger boyes
China has reason to fear its people’s anger
newmatthew parris | notebook
Bunk beds strictly for the aspiring gymnast
newvindi banga
Better end-of-life care can relieve pressure on the NHS
newLeading Articles
Shirking from Home?
Labour’s proposal to make hybrid working a mandatory option for all employees could harm business and productivity
The Not Party
Sir Ed Davey’s party enjoyed a historic revival in the election. But what are they for?
Painting by Numbers
The artist’s 1889 work The Starry Night depicts turbulence with uncanny accuracy
letters to the editor
Free clothes for prime minister and his wife
Sir, Let us assume that the omission of the declaration of the sartorial gifts to Lady Starmer from Lord Alli was indeed an oversight (“Starmer’s wife had £5,000 of clothes paid for by donor”, Sep 16). Surely, though, it was wrong to accept...Sir, Let us assume that the omission of the declaration of the sartorial gifts to Lady Starmer...Sir, Let us assume that the omission of the declaration of the sartorial gifts to Lady Starmer...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: NHS Digital publishes statistics for routine childhood immunisations at one, two and five years. Data also includes statistics for people aged 65 and over immunised against seasonal flu; OEUK annual conference on the oil and gas industry, with the energy minister Michael Shanks among the speakers; the inaugural Desmond Tutu Annual Memorial Lecture is delivered at York Minster, by Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s daughter the Rev Nontombi Tutu; Sky Arts Awards; Great British Pub Awards.
Switzerland: World Cancer Congress begins in Geneva.
On this day
In 1864 Elizabeth Sinclair-Robinson, from Glasgow, bought Niihau, the seventh-largest inhabited Hawaiian island, for $10,000. Known as the Forbidden Isle, the island is off-limits to the general public, and remains in the hands of her descendants; in 1939 the Soviet Union invaded Poland, two weeks after Britain declared war on Germany for doing the same. The Soviet invasion was agreed with Nazi Germany in the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which divided eastern Europe into spheres of interest for the two powers. In 1941 Germany broke the pact and invaded the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa); in 1953 a team of eight surgeons successfully separated conjoined twins (at the base of the spine) at a hospital in New Orleans, US. The first-recorded successful separation of conjoined twins was in 1689, in Switzerland; in 1976 Nasa unveiled Enterprise, the first full-scale prototype space shuttle. Fans of the TV series Star Trek had campaigned for the name to be changed from the proposed Constitution; in 1978 the Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian president Anwar Sadat signed a framework for a peace treaty, brokered by the US president Jimmy Carter.
Nature notes
The few remaining corncrakes on these islands are slipping away now, night after night: setting out to fly thousands of miles to the Congo for winter, some alone, some joining up with other birds, stopping off here and there in Europe and western Africa to rest. It is an astonishing journey for a secretive, ground-dwelling bird, one that barely seems adapted for flight. Once common and widespread, their “thumbnail on a comb” call familiar to generations of our forebears, they were driven to near-extinction here by agricultural machinery and changing land management, clinging on only to a few places in Ireland and on the Scottish islands and coasts. Efforts to reintroduce corncrakes to Norfolk are giving grounds for cautious hope. Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Lord (James) Timpson, minister of state for prisons, parole and probation, chief executive, Timpson Group (2002-Jul 2024), 53; Sir David Bintley, ballet dancer and choreographer, vice-president, Royal Academy of Dance, artistic director, Birmingham Royal Ballet (1995-2019), 67; Lord (Alec) Broers, a pioneer of nanotechnology, president, Royal Academy of Engineering (2001-06), vice-chancellor, University of Cambridge (1996-2003), 86; Mike Catt, rugby union player, England (1994-2007), 53; Lord (David) Craig of Radley, chief of the defence staff (1988-91), 95; Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece and Princess of Denmark, 56; Neal Froneman, chairman, World Gold Council, 65; Warren Gatland, rugby union player, head coach, Wales (also 2007-19), British and Irish Lions (2013, 2017), 61; Damon Hill, Formula 1 world champion (1996), 64; Serge Klarsfeld, Nazi hunter, 89; Baz Luhrmann, film director, Moulin Rouge (2001), 62; Des Lynam, broadcaster, 82; Shabana Mahmood, lord chancellor and justice secretary, Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood, 44; Reinhold Messner, the first mountaineer to ascend all 14 peaks over 8,000 metres, 80; Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, 74; Charlie Nunn, chief executive, Lloyds Bank, 53; Urs Schwarzenbach, financier, founder of Interexchange, 76; David Shrigley, artist, Really Good (fourth plinth, Trafalgar Square, 2016), 56; Dame Ingrid Simler, lady justice of appeal, 61; Bryan Singer, film director, The Usual Suspects (1995), 59; Lord (Indarjit) Singh of Wimbledon, editor, Sikh Messenger (since 1984), 92; Alexander Howard, Earl of Suffolk, 50; Rear-Admiral Jude Terry, director (people and training) and Naval Secretary, the most senior woman in the Royal Navy, 51; Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of Masorti Judaism in the UK, 67.