Russia never sought to ban homosexuality – Putin

A new report on grooming gangs in the UK calls for sweeping changes, including a national inquiry and stricter laws around the age of consent. The review aims to address systemic failures in handling these crimes and better protect vulnerable young people.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another policy document—it’s a response to years of public outrage over how grooming gangs have operated with little accountability. If these recommendations are taken seriously, they could mean real changes in how authorities prevent and prosecute exploitation. But the big question is whether political willpower will turn these proposals into action.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles is pushing for the RCMP to recover "permanently deleted" emails as part of their investigation into Ontario's Greenbelt controversy. At the same time, she admits that opposition parties might be hitting a wall in their efforts to hold the government accountable, suggesting they’ve exhausted their current options.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights growing frustration over transparency in Ontario’s Greenbelt scandal. If key emails were deleted, it could signal a lack of cooperation—or worse, a cover-up. Stiles’ admission that opposition tools may be "running out" underscores how hard it is to challenge power when the system feels stacked against scrutiny. For voters, it’s a reminder of how messy political accountability can get when records disappear.

Belinda Taylor, a mother of four known for her adventurous spirit and generous nature, tragically died in a skydiving accident alongside her instructor. Friends and family remember her as someone who lived life fully and cared deeply for others.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another accident headline—it’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change, especially for those who embrace risk and adventure. Belinda’s story resonates because it’s about a vibrant life cut short, leaving behind a grieving family and community. It also raises quiet questions about the safety of extreme sports, even as we celebrate the boldness of those who pursue them.

After years of legal battles, all eligible U.S. states and territories have finally reached a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, the makers of OxyContin. The deal aims to hold them accountable for their role in fueling the opioid crisis, though critics argue it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the devastation caused.

Editor’s Note: This settlement is a big step in addressing the opioid epidemic, but it’s also a reminder of how deep the crisis runs. While the money will help fund addiction treatment and prevention, many families affected by overdoses and addiction feel justice is still incomplete—especially since the Sacklers aren’t admitting wrongdoing. It’s a messy, bittersweet resolution to a tragic chapter.

Sri Lankan cricket veteran Angelo Mathews is frustrated with his team's sparse Test schedule in the next World Test Championship cycle—just 12 matches total, split into six two-game series. He’s calling out the inequality in the cricketing calendar, pointing to powerhouses like India and Australia, who play far more Tests. Mathews argues that fewer opportunities hurt Sri Lanka’s younger players, who miss out on crucial experience in the sport’s most demanding format.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about scheduling—it’s a spotlight on how smaller cricketing nations get sidelined in the modern game. Less Test cricket means fewer chances to grow talent, deepen rivalries, or even stay financially competitive. Mathews’ complaint taps into a bigger debate: if the sport’s richest teams keep hogging the spotlight, can the rest even keep up?