Europe

Many young people in the northern English cities of Liverpool and Manchester say they feel disillusioned by politics.

The announcement appeared to be the Russian leader’s latest attempt to raise the stakes in his conflict with the West, coming less than two weeks after his visit to North Korea.

The debates between contenders to be U.K. prime minister showed that Britain’s political culture, and the leaders who have emerged from it, are far removed from those across the ocean.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denounced a slur used against him by a man campaigning for Reform U.K., the anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage.

Many young people feel disillusioned by politics in the United Kingdom, as the country readies for a pivotal general election after 14 years of Conservative governments. Megan Specia, an international correspondent for The New York Times based in London, spoke with young voters in the northern English cities of Liverpool and Manchester to hear their perspectives on the election.

The Republican-led House loaded its funding measures with provisions that have no chance of becoming law, as both parties look toward a bigger fight later this year, most likely after the elections.

Steven van de Velde, a beach volleyball player, spent time in prison for the 2014 rape of a 12-year-old girl. His inclusion on the Olympic team has caused a stir in the international news media.

His designs made it onto the covers of fashion magazines and onto the heads of celebrities like Greta Garbo. His business closed after he died in a plane crash.

A back and forth over the pundit’s one-word analysis of his country’s performances rests on a misconception about the media’s role.

Looking for answers, or an escape, in a fraught world.