World news

• John Geddert: Ex-US Olympics coach found dead after sex assault charges

  25-02-2021 23:55 via bbc.co.uk
  
  John Geddert, who headed the 2012 US women's gymnastics team, took his own life, officials say.
  
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• What we know about the California coronavirus variant

  25-02-2021 23:48
  
  It has been detected in 19 countries and has a concentration in California, but should we be worried about this strain?
  Two new studies suggest that a Covid-19 variant first discovered in California has been spreading rapidly through the state.The findings come as the US ramps up its efforts to track and catalogue various forms of the mutating virus, and raise fresh questions about the circulation of the coronavirus in the country. Continue reading...
  
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• Joe Biden speaks to Saudi Arabia's King Salman before release of Khashoggi murder report

  25-02-2021 23:45
  
  White House says president ‘affirmed the importance the United States places on universal human rights and the rule of law’Joe Biden has spoken with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman for the first time as president, ahead of the publication of a US intelligence report expected to implicate the Saudi crown prince in the 2018 murder of dissident and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.A White House account of the call did not mention the report, but did say, in another context, th
  
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• 'Think about others': the Queen encourages people to get Covid vaccine jab – video

  25-02-2021 23:37
  
  The Queen said her Covid-19 jab 'didn’t hurt at all' in a video call with health officials leading vaccine deployment across the UK.The monarch praised the vaccine programme, describing its speed and the rapid progress as 'remarkable', and in a morale boost told the health leaders to 'keep up the good work' Continue reading...
  
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• Equality Act: US House passes sweeping LGBTQ+ rights bill

  25-02-2021 23:35
  
  Key bill, which amends 1964 Civil Rights Act, passes 224-216 but faces uncertain future in evenly divided SenateThe House has passed the landmark Equality Act, taking LGBTQ+ Americans one step closer to winning legal protection from discrimination. Related: Biden warns Americans 'this is not the time to relax' as vaccinations ramp up – liveContinue reading...
  
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• Biden raises human rights in call with Saudi king as intelligence officials to release report on Khashoggi killing

  25-02-2021 23:25 via independent.co.uk
  
  ODNI report expected to tie Mohammed bin Salman to killing of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018
  
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• Biden news – live: Police fear plot to ‘blow up’ Capitol during SOTU, as ‘harmful’ visa ban overturned

  25-02-2021 23:24 via independent.co.uk
  
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• Coronavirus: EU urged to adopt 'vaccine passports'

  25-02-2021 23:13 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Greece and Austria want coronavirus-free tourists this summer, but other EU states have concerns.
  
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• Most Republican voters believe 2020 election was invalid, poll finds

  25-02-2021 23:10 via independent.co.uk
  
  The majority of Republican respondents believe that mail-in voting and ballot drop boxes resulted in more fraud
  
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• 'A cause for worry': Mexico's monarch butterflies drop by 26% in year

  25-02-2021 23:09
  
  Butterflies had bad year after four times as many trees were lost to illegal logging and extreme climate conditionsThe number of monarch butterflies that reached their winter resting grounds in central Mexico decreased by about 26% this year, and four times as many trees were lost to illegal logging, drought and other causes, making 2020 a bad year for the butterflies.The butterflies’ population covered only 2.1 hectares (5.2 acres) in 2020, compared to 2.8 hectares (6.9 acres) the previou
  
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• Republican Ralph Norman’s effort to hold 30-second silence for Rush Limbaugh turned down

  25-02-2021 22:57 via independent.co.uk
  
  ‘The chair cannot entertain the gentleman’s request’
  
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• Rand Paul called ‘disgusting’ after attacking Joe Biden’s transgender health nominee on trans issues

  25-02-2021 22:39 via independent.co.uk
  
  Dr Rachel Levine, who is a transgender woman, would be Mr Biden’s assistant secretary of health if confirmed by the Senate
  
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• John Geddert: US gymnastics coach kills himself hours after being charged with sex crimes

  25-02-2021 22:37 via independent.co.uk
  
  Police have found the body of the former US gymnastics coach, affiliated with disgraced doctor Larry Nassar, just hours after he was charged with human trafficking and criminal sexual conduct.
  
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• House passes Equality Act but LGBT+ bill faces murky future in Senate

  25-02-2021 22:35 via independent.co.uk
  
  Republicans worry legislation does not include protections for religious institutions or ensure ‘religious freedom’
  
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• Alexei Navalny: Jailed Putin critic 'moved out of Moscow prison'

  25-02-2021 22:33 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Alexei Navalny's aides suggest the anti-corruption activist may have been sent to a prison camp.
  
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• Mother throws children to safety from burning building in Istanbul

  25-02-2021 22:27
  
  Children unhurt after falling from third floor, and woman later discharged from hospitalA woman rescued her four children from a burning building in Istanbul by throwing them out of a third-floor window.Video footage captured each child falling as volunteers in the street below stretched out a blanket to catch them. Bystanders were heard screaming and some shouted at the woman not to drop the children. Continue reading...
  
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• House-passed LGBTQ ‘Equality Act’ faces murky future in 50-50 Senate

  25-02-2021 22:27 via independent.co.uk
  
  Republicans worry legislation does not include protections for religious institutions or ensure ‘religious freedom’
  
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• Four children thrown to safety from burning building in Istanbul – video

  25-02-2021 22:26
  
  A mother rescued four children by throwing them from the window of a burning apartment block in Istanbul, Turkey. Neighbours caught the children with blankets spread out below as black smoke billowed from the building. Local authorities said the children were in good health. The mother was hospitalised as a precaution before being discharged Continue reading...
  
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• Rand Paul called ‘disgusting’ after attacking Joe Biden’s transgender health secretary on trans issues

  25-02-2021 22:22 via independent.co.uk
  
  Dr Rachel Levine, who is a transgender woman, would be Mr Biden’s assistant secretary of health if confirmed by the Senate
  
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• Costco raising starting wages to $16 amid calls for federal $15 minimum – will competitors follow?

  25-02-2021 22:13 via independent.co.uk
  
  Lawmakers debate gradually raising federal minimum wage to $15 by 2025 as second-largest retailer says raising its wages ‘constitutes a significant competitive advantage’
  
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• President Biden warns of new variants as administration hits 50m Covid vaccines

  25-02-2021 22:05 via independent.co.uk
  
  President Joe Biden has warned about the impact of new Covid-19 variants on the United States’ cases and hospitalisations, as his administration administers its 50 millionth vaccine dose since taking office.
  
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• Donald Trump Jr says dropping Springsteen’s DWI charge example of ‘liberal privilege’

  25-02-2021 22:05 via independent.co.uk
  
  The Boss’s blood alcohol level was one quarter of limit for driving
  
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• CPAC 2021 - live: White House dismisses Trump speech at GOP conference as Haley, Pence and Cheney sidelined

  25-02-2021 22:05 via independent.co.uk
  
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• President Pence, anyone? In Mike Pence’s hometown, residents ponder his legacy and his future

  25-02-2021 21:54 via independent.co.uk
  
  Mike Pence is returning to his home state of Indiana to decide his future, but residents in his home town of Columbus are torn on his legacy, reports Richard Hall.
  
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• Nixon lawyer John Dean says Donald Trump's kids should be worried about New York investigation

  25-02-2021 21:49 via independent.co.uk
  
  The former presidential lawyer said the Manhattan District Attorney secured nearly a terrabyte of the former terabyte’s tax information
  
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• Canada spy agency unwittingly seeks double agent in Le Carré ad gaffe

  25-02-2021 21:44
  
  CSIS included quote from A Perfect Spy in tweet about job postings, bewildering Twitter usersFor an intelligence agency seeking new recruits, the promises of adventure and intrigue found within the pages of famous spy novels might seem like a useful recruiting tool.But promoting a double agent who lies to his family, betrays his country and ultimately takes his own life, is possibly not a strategy that will produce the best candidates. Continue reading...
  
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• Ursula von der Leyen issues Covid vaccine export warning at EU summit

  25-02-2021 21:34
  
  Commission head reassures leaders she will ban vaccines leaving EU if suppliers fail to deliver again
  Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageUrsula von der Leyen has reassured EU leaders she will ban coronavirus vaccines from leaving the EU if suppliers such as AstraZeneca fail to deliver again, as she faced questions over her handling of shortages.The European commission president’s pledge at a virtual summit came as leaders issued a statement promising to &ldqu
  
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• 'You find a way': Judi Dench on working through sight loss

  25-02-2021 21:30
  
  Actor describes being helped with lines and learning by repetition at event for the Vision FoundationDame Judi Dench has spoken of her determination to carry on working despite sight loss, even if that means using friends to learn lines and being gently told to stop delivering speeches to the proscenium arch rather than her fellow actors.Dench described how she copes with deteriorating eyesight – the challenges, the unexpected advantages and the funny side – at an online event on Thu
  
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• Lady Gaga's dog-walker shot and bulldogs stolen

  25-02-2021 21:27 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The star is offering a reward for the safe return of her French bulldogs Koji and Gustav.
  
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• College dropout donates $20m to university he was forced to leave almost 60 years ago because he couldn’t afford it

  25-02-2021 21:26 via independent.co.uk
  
  Donation 'believed to be largest contribution of its kind to any Historically Black College or University,' university website states
  
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• Former USA Olympic gymnastics coach faces abuse charges

  25-02-2021 21:14 via independent.co.uk
  
  Gold-medal winning John Geddert previously said he had ‘zero knowledge’ of Larry Nassar’s crimes
  
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• CPAC 2021: How to watch and schedule of speakers

  25-02-2021 21:14 via independent.co.uk
  
  Event being held in Orlando, Florida, will see former president deliver first public speech since leaving office
  
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• Republican lawmaker joins Democrats condemning MTG for attacks on Democrat over transgender child

  25-02-2021 21:03 via independent.co.uk
  
  It’s the latest scandal involving the controversial Georgia rep
  
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• Rand Paul criticised for ’harmful’ questions to Joe Biden’s transgender health secretary on LGBTQ issues

  25-02-2021 20:45 via independent.co.uk
  
  Dr Rachel Levine, who is a transgender woman, would be Mr Biden’s assistant secretary of health if confirmed by the Senate
  
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• Coach tied to Larry Nassar charged with sexual assault and trafficking

  25-02-2021 20:16 via independent.co.uk
  
  The coach had previously said he had “zero knowledge” of Mr Nassar’s crimes
  
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• Lady Gaga not targetted in theft of French bulldogs, police say

  25-02-2021 19:50 via independent.co.uk
  
  Singer has offered $500,000 reward for return of beloved pets
  
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• Biden news – live: Police fear plot to ‘blow up’ Capitol during State of Union, as ‘harmful’ visa ban overturned

  25-02-2021 19:47 via independent.co.uk
  
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• Police chief says militia groups ‘want to blow up’ Capitol building at Biden State of the Union

  25-02-2021 19:41 via independent.co.uk
  
  US Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman argued to maintain increased law enforcement presence at the Capitol ahead of Joe Biden’s first address to Congress, following warnings from militia groups that she says want to “blow up the Capitol and kill as many members as possible” in connection with the president’s upcoming State of the Union.
  
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• TV host criticises Trump Jr and Lauren Boebert, accusing them of acting like IRA and Osama Bin Laden

  25-02-2021 19:38 via independent.co.uk
  
  ‘It communicates that they’re open to at least the possibility of violent overthrow of the government,’ claims Chris Hayes
  
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• Rand Paul attacks Joe Biden’s transgender health secretary over support for gender-confirmation surgery for minors

  25-02-2021 19:36 via independent.co.uk
  
  Dr Rachel Levine, who is a transgender woman, would be Mr Biden’s assistant secretary of health if confirmed by the Senate
  
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• CPAC 2021 - live: Haley excluded after Trump fallout as poll finds most Republicans believe election ‘invalid’

  25-02-2021 19:30 via independent.co.uk
  
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• Marjorie Taylor Greene calls Liz Cheney ‘a fool’ for criticising Trump

  25-02-2021 19:25 via independent.co.uk
  
  Controversial congresswoman previously said the Republican party belong to former president
  
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• Intact petrified tree, up to 20 million years old, unearthed in Greece

  25-02-2021 19:23 via independent.co.uk
  
  Extraordinary find will ‘will contribute significantly’ to understanding of region’s ancient ecosystem
  
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• Rare bee missing for a century rediscovered in Australia

  25-02-2021 19:12 via independent.co.uk
  
  Species which targets specific rainforest flowers was last seen in 1923
  
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• Tiger Woods: ‘Hero’ neighbour helped save golfing legend from crash

  25-02-2021 19:11 via independent.co.uk
  
  Man called 911 and rushed to help after crash, report says
  
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• Victim’s glasses found in car of South Dakota Attorney General who claimed he hit a deer

  25-02-2021 19:05 via independent.co.uk
  
  Jason Ravnsborg charged with three misdemeanour counts after accident leading to death of 55-year-old pedestrian
  
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• Pelosi visibly upset with Marjorie Taylor Greene’s latest transphobic stunt

  25-02-2021 18:42 via independent.co.uk
  
  ‘It breaks my heart that it is necessary,’ Pelosi says of bill enshrining rights for LGBTQ Americans
  
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• Tucker Carlson condemned for bizarre comparison between George Floyd’s death, BLM and Capitol riot

  25-02-2021 18:38 via independent.co.uk
  
  'It sickens me that the Floyd family has to endure this depravity,' said one critic after Fox News's anchors rant
  
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• Canada's Covid plan under fire as air passengers evade hotel quarantine

  25-02-2021 18:37
  
  Some arriving passengers are dodging mandatory three-night hotel stay while claims of sexual assault tarnish health planLess than a week after the introduction of new rules obliging international air travellers to quarantine at a hotel on arrival in Canada, the plan is facing criticism after allegations of sexual assault and reports that some passengers are ignoring the rules.Amid growing concern that international travellers could pose a risk of spreading variants of the coronavirus, Canada beg
  
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• Father of woman found dead in trash chute says she was targeted by a hitman

  25-02-2021 18:33 via independent.co.uk
  
  Wrongful death case alleges that Lara Prychodko’s estranged husband was ‘financially motivated’ to pay for her death
  
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